Australian water-clover
Family
MarsileaceaeScientific Name
Marsilea muticaHabit
Aquatic plant with"4-leaf clover" leaves floating at the surface from a trailing vine
Leaves
4 leaflets arranged radially, on the water surface. Obovate (oval, pointed towards the node) leaflets may have variegation
Identifying Characteristics
A feral ornamental, this aquatic plant may be quite attractive, resembling a shamrock or 4-leaf clover.
Flower Seed Head
Small flowers have 5 flower parts.
Where Found
In ponds throughout warm parts of North America. Introduced from Australia
Growth Habit
vine
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
yellow
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
oval,
triangle
Leaf Arrangement
whorled
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
palmate
Leaf Stalk
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
Varies:
fibrous,
rhizomes present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Fern