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Stuckenia pectinata

Posted Wed, 05/05/2010 - 22:23 by tonyf
Common Names: 
Fennel Pondweed

A submerged aquatic plant with long, branching stems rooted to the base of the waterway. Starchy roots that form over-wintering structures are present on this species, giving it the alternative name of Sago Pondweed. Thin membranous leaves are produced alternately along the stems. These leaves are very slender, distinguishing the plant from plants in the similar Potamogeton genus in which this species was previously included (under the name Potamogeton pectinatus). Flowering stems remain below the surface of the water in early summer and the pollen is moved in the water rather than through air as in Potamogeton species. See Curly Pondweed, Potamogeton crispus, Blunt Pondweed, Potamogeton ochreatus and Floating Pondweed, Potamogeton cheesmanii for other distinguishing characteristics.

Distribution: 

Occurs in flowing, permanent or semi-permanent waterways and lakes. This species seems capable of growing in faster flowing parts of streams than Potamogeton species and is perhaps more tolerant of shading and pollution.

The species is distributed widely including in North America, Europe and New Zealand. Such cosmopolitan distribution, common among wetland plants, is thought to be a consequence of dispersal on and in the bodies of migrating water and shorebirds.

Ecology: 

This is one of only a small variety of submerged aquatic plants in Victoria. Submerged aquatic plants provide a valuable substrate or aquatic wildlife, from food for Black Swans to being a surface on which biofilm can form. Biofilms are made up of fungus, bacteria and algae which coat the submerged surfaces. These biofilms are biologically rich substances which support many other forms of life. In summer, the dense beds of Pondweeds form a rich venue for water life. Most obviously, the breeding and feeding sites for Dragonflies and Damselflies. Growling Grass Frogs (Litoria raniformis) make use of submerged aquatic plants like Fennel Pondweed as a support where they can bask beyond the shade of dense semi-aquatic plants of the water's edge.

Propagation: 

Pondweeds will re-grow readily from fragments. WARNING, when moving Pondweeds or other material between waterways and wetlands there is a high risk of moving the eggs or young of the introduced Mosquito Fish (or Plague Minnow) Gambusia holbrookii.