Compared to the more common alisma plantago-aquatica, baldellia ranunculoides has pointed, more erect carpels and much narrower leaves, and is a generally smaller plant.
Common name:
Lesser water-plantain
Family:
Scientific name:
Baldellia ranunculoides
Main flower color:
Range:
Scattered locations across Wales and south/central England
Height:
Between 5 cm and 25 cm
Habitat:
Still, shallow waters, often in calcareous regions
Flowers:
Produced singly on short stalks, along creeping stems; formed of three pale pink petals, which are yellow at the base, and narrow. The green carpels at the centre are pointed, angled upwards, and surrounded by a ring of six short stamens
Leaves:
Narrowly lanceolate; up to 4 cm long, growing mostly at the base of the stem
Season:
June to August
Rarity:
★★★★★
