Marsilea quadrifolia L.
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Description
Marsilea quadrifolia is a small aquatic or semi-aquatic heterosporous fern, commonly found in shallow freshwater habitats. It is a perennial herb with a slender, creeping rhizome that grows horizontally along or just beneath the soil surface. The rhizome is green to brown, branched, and produces roots at nodes for anchorage. Leaves (fronds) arise from long slender petioles emerging from the rhizome. Each frond is highly characteristic, consisting of four leaflets arranged like a four-leaf clover. Leaflets are obovate to fan-shaped, usually 1–3 cm long, with entire margins, rounded apices, and a prominent central vein. Leaves may float on water surfaces or remain erect in moist terrestrial conditions depending on habitat. The species produces specialized reproductive structures called sporocarps, which are hard, bean-shaped structures attached near the base of the leaf stalk. Sporocarps contain numerous sori with two types of spores (heterospory): Microspores producing male gametophytes. Megaspores producing female gametophytes. Sporocarps are resistant to drought and can remain dormant for many years. When water becomes available, they germinate and release spores.
Diagnostic Characters
Distribution
Native range: Native to Europe, Asia. Found in Europe, South Asia, East Asia. Introduced in some regions of North America.
In Pakistan: Reported from wetlands, Irrigated fields, Ponds and marshy areas, Occurs locally in freshwater habitats.
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