pepperwort
Marsilea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Pepperwort, scientifically known as Marsilea, is a fascinating genus of aquatic ferns characterized by their distinctive four-leaflet foliage. Thriving in wetlands and shallow waters, these resilient plants play vital roles in aquatic ecosystems. Beyond their unique morphology, various species offer significant ethnobotanical potential in traditional medicinal practices worldwide.
- Family
- Marsileaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Pepperwort · Water-Clover · 2 more
- Scientific synonyms
- Lemma · Spheroidia
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- pepperwort
- water-clover
- Helicopter Ferns
- Waterclover Ferns
Scientific Names
Accepted name
MarsileaSynonyms
- Lemma
- Spheroidia
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Tréboles de Agua
German:
- Kleefarn
French:
- Marsilée
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Polypodiinae, it follows the order Salviniales. Finally, it is categorized under the family Marsileaceae and the genus Marsilea.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Polypodiinae |
| Order | Salviniales |
| Family | Marsileaceae |
| Genus | Marsilea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical presence across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its distribution can be identified within Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, it is found throughout the territories of Austria and Germany. The species also extends into the areas of Czechia-Slovakia. Finally, its range reaches further into the Middle European landscape of Hungary.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain |
| Middle Europe | Austria |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia |
| Middle Europe | Germany |
| Middle Europe | Hungary |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands |
| Middle Europe | Poland |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares |
| Southwestern Europe | France |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Chemicals
Marsilea has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ARSENIC, As.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| ARSENIC | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| As | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
ARSENIC
- Environmental monitoring and assessment
As
- Environmental monitoring and assessment