Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Elatinaceae (Waterwort)
Life Cycle:
Annual or Perennial
Maximum Size:
10 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Mud, ponds, water, wetland.
Elatine hexandra, or Six-stamened Waterwort, bears tiny, star-like flowers that are often overlooked due to their minute size—typically only 1–2 mm across. Each flower usually has six stamens, hence the species name, though the number can occasionally vary. The flowers are pinkish or pale white and solitary, arising from leaf axils. Blooming occurs during the summer months, especially when water levels are low enough to expose mud or wet margins.
Fruit:
The fruit of Elatine hexandra is a tiny capsule containing numerous minuscule seeds. These capsules are oval and slightly ridged, splitting open when mature to release the seeds. The seeds are smooth and curved, each less than 0.5 mm long, and are dispersed by water or mud adherence to animals’ feet or aquatic equipment.
Leaves:
The leaves are small, oval to spoon-shaped, and arranged oppositely along the slender stems. Each leaf is generally 2–7 mm long, with smooth edges and a faint central vein. The plant often grows prostrate, rooting at the nodes, forming low mats in damp mud or shallow water. In fully submerged conditions, the leaves may appear more thread-like and elongated.
Fragrance:
Six-stamened Waterwort is completely scentless. Its flowers do not produce any fragrance, as it relies on water proximity and occasional self-pollination or insect activity for reproduction.
Other Names:
Six-stamen Waterwort.
Summary
Elatine hexandra is a species of annual herb in the family waterworts. It is found in wet areas worldwide, and has procumbent leaves that are small and succulent-looking. The flowers are tiny, and the stamens are difficult to see without close examination. Elatine hexandra is considered an endangered species in some parts of the world, and an action plan has been developed to help preserve it. It is also used as an aquatic plant in some areas, often behaving as an ephemeral on exposed, wet mud.
Blog
Six-stamened Waterweed: An Overview
Elatine hexandra, commonly known as the Six-stamened Waterweed, is a small aquatic plant that belongs to the Elatine genus and the Onagraceae family. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and is found in still and slow-moving waters such as ponds, lakes, and ditches.
Physical Characteristics
Elatine hexandra has an almost stemless growth habit, with only a few centimeters of stem visible above the water surface. The leaves are small, elliptical, and grow in a rosette pattern around the stem. The plant flowers from June to September, producing tiny, yellow flowers with six stamens.
Ecology and Habitat
Six-stamened Waterweed is a hardy and adaptable species that is able to tolerate a wide range of water conditions, from fresh to slightly brackish. It is commonly found in stagnant or slow-moving waters, such as ponds, ditches, and lakes, where it provides habitat for a variety of aquatic insects and small animals. This plant is also a food source for many species of waterbirds and fish, making it an important component of the aquatic food chain.
Cultivation and Management
Elatine hexandra is relatively easy to cultivate, making it a popular choice for aquarists and pond enthusiasts. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings, and is often used as a cover plant to control the growth of algae and other undesirable aquatic plants.
In addition to its ornamental value, Six-stamened Waterweed has a number of practical applications in aquatic ecosystems. It is known to play a role in water purification, and has been used in constructed wetlands and other water treatment systems to help remove pollutants from the water.
Conclusion
Elatine hexandra, also known as Six-stamened Waterweed, is a small, versatile aquatic plant that provides important habitat for a variety of aquatic species and plays a role in water purification. Its hardy nature, adaptability, and ornamental value make it an attractive choice for aquarists and pond enthusiasts, while its practical applications make it a valuable addition to aquatic ecosystems.
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