Sparganium erectum
Sparganium erectum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Sparganium erectum, commonly known as erect bur-reed, is a perennial aquatic plant often found in marshes and shallow wetlands. This species plays a vital role in its ecosystem by providing habitat and stabilizing aquatic sediments. Recent scientific inquiries have focused on its potential interactions with beneficial microbes, specifically the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Under certain environmental conditions, the presence of Bacillus subtilis may influence the plant's growth patterns and overall health. Understanding these microbial relationships is essential for advancing knowledge regarding wetland plant resilience and soil ecology.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Typhaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Sparganium erectum is a versatile aquatic plant recognized by a wide array of names across different languages and regions. In English-speaking areas, it is frequently referred to as the Branched Bur-Reed, while the name Blonde egelskop is also used. Its diverse nomenclature extends into German, where it is known as both Aestiger Igelkolben and Aufrechter Igelkolben. Furthermore, the plant carries the Romanian designation Buzdugan de apă, reflecting its widespread botanical presence. These various common names highlight the global recognition of this unique species within its natural habitat.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Sparganium erectum belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse lineage of living organisms. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Poales, which connects it to a specific group of flowering plants. As a member of the genus Sparganium, it displays unique morphological characteristics typical of its kind. Finally, this plant is nested within the Typhaceae family, completing its complex biological hierarchy.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Typhaceae |
| Genus | Sparganium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Sparganium erectum exhibits a broad geographical range that spans across both African and Asian territories. In the African continent, this species is widely distributed throughout Northern Africa, specifically within the countries of Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia. Beyond its presence in the Maghreb, the plant also finds suitable habitats within the Asia-Temperate zone. Specifically, it can be found thriving in the North Caucasus region. This diverse distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various ecological niches across different continents.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Sparganium erectum is a self-supporting herb characterized by its distinct growth form. This plant typically reaches a maximum height of 1.5 meters as it matures in its natural habitat. Depending on environmental conditions, its stature can vary significantly, with minimum heights observed as low as 0.25 meters. Some specimens may also maintain a more consistent minimum height of around 0.375 meters. Together, these varying dimensions illustrate the adaptable nature of this aquatic species.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Sparganium erectum demonstrates antimicrobial properties specifically when its acetone extracts are applied to certain bacteria. In studies assessing water plants from northeastern Anatolia, this species showed significant inhibitory activity against Bacillus subtilis. While the methanol extracts of the plant failed to produce any effect, the acetone extracts successfully targeted the Gram-positive bacterium. The effectiveness was measured through inhibition zones ranging from 7 to 16 mm. Consequently, Sparganium erectum serves as a source of bioactive compounds capable of treating Bacillus subtilis.