Zone 4: Sweet Flag; Common Water Plantain; Big-leaved Arrowhead; Spongy Arrowhead; Black Grass; Other Plant Species may also be found here

Zone 4

 Table of Contents

1. Description of Zone 4

2. Acoraceae (Sweet Flag Family )Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag)

3. Alismaceae (Water Plantain Family)Alisma subcordatum (Common Water Plantain)

4. Alismaceae Sagittaria latifolia (Big-leaved Arrowhead)

5. Alismaceae Sagittaria calycina (Spongy Arrowhead)

6. Juncaceae (Rush Family)  Juncus geradii (Black Grass)

 

1. Description of Zone 4:

(32-35 meters along the transect line, perpendicular to the shoreline from the low tide line to the landward marsh edge)

Some of the species described here may also live in higher zones. 

***** indicates that the species was not found along the transect line

2. Acoraceae (Sweet Flag Family) Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag)

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acorus_calamus

http://Plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACCA4

 

 

Sweet Flag, a common marsh species, is about 1-2 meters tall with sword-shaped leaves that arise from the plant base. Each leaf has an off-center midrib. Flowers are formed on an appendix shaped structure (Spadix) shown below. Roots extend from the basal stem into the sediment. Horizontal underground stems (rhizomes) can be extended from the base of one plant and form new plants that are genetically identical to the first. This is the main means by which the plant reproduces. Oil from the plant root has been used to treat some digestive disorders, to reduce fevers, and as a tranquilizer, etc. The rhizome and roots are edible, although caution is advised. Cut rhizomes and roots emit a lemon scent.

 

March

Adaptations:

1. Numerous tall leaves that capture enough sunlight to fuel the process of photosynthesis.

2. Subsurface horizontal stems and roots that anchor the plant securely.

3. Horizontal stems that give rise to genetically identical plants a distance away, allowing the plant to quickly colonize new areas.

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3. Alisma subcordatum (Common Water Plantain)

 

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALSU

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alisma_subcordatum

 

Water plantain (about 1 meter tall) is an erect plant with oval leaves (about 13 cm long) arising from the plant base, each on a relatively long stalk. Roots extend from the plant base into the sediment. A horizontal underground stem (rhizome) extends from the base of one plant and forms new plants that are genetically identical to the original. Small flowers, with three petals, are located at the end of branches. Fruit (achene) is consumed by waterfowl. Tea made from dried leaves has been used as a diuretic although fresh leaves and roots are considered toxic. Roots have been used as a dressing for cuts and bruises.

 

Adaptations:

1. Relatively large leaves that collect enough light for photosynthesis.

2. Rhizomes and roots that anchor the plant securely in the sediment.

3. Flowers that are at the top of the plant allowing easy access for pollination and seed distribution.

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4. Sagittaria latifolia (Big-leaved Arrowhead)

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagittaria_latifolia

http://Plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SALA2

 

 

The plant is about 60 cm tall. Arrowhead leaves (about 15 cm long) are attached to stems at the base of the plant. Roots extend from the basal stem into the sediment. Horizontal runners (rhizomes) extend horizontally from the basal stem, under the sediment and give rise to new plants that are genetically identical to the original. White flowers with 3 petals, each about 25 mm wide, are attached to a single stalk. Roasted or baked roots and rhizomes were consumed by American Indians. They were also dried and ground into flour,used to make bread. Poultices prepared from fresh roots were used to treat skin sores and tea made from dried roots is reported to treat indigestion.

 

 

Adaptations:

1. Large leaf area that  traps enough light used in the manufacture of food (Photosynthesis).

2. Extensive root system that securely holds the plant in place.

3. Horizontal underground stems (rhizomes) that hold the plant in place and allow lateral growth making it easier for the plant to quickly colonize new areas.

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5. Sagittaria calycina (Spongy Arrowhead)

 

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SACA21

 

Spongy Arrowhead resembles Sagittaria subulata including the distinctive roots shown below as well as awl-shaped leaves arising from the plant base and 3-petaled white flowers. The tips of the leaves are paddle-shaped and generally don’t develop into distinctive arrow-shaped leaves.

 

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6. Juncaceae (Rush Family)  Juncus geradii (Black Grass)*****

 

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=JUGE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juncus_gerardii

 

This species has an erect, rounded stem, about 0.7 meters high. There is one, sometimes two long, round, linear leaves. Flowers are formed toward the stem tip on a branched inflorescence (Reproductive Spike). The fruit is a rounded, dark capsule.