Louisiana Quillwort

Taxobox
name = Louisiana Quillwort
status = G2
status_system = TNC
status_ref = Cite web
publisher =NatureServe
title = Isoetes louisianensis
work = NatureServe Explorer
url = http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Isoetes+louisianensis+
accessdate = 2007-12-19]
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Lycopodiophyta
classis = Isoetopsida
ordo = Isoetales
familia = Isoetaceae
genus = "Isoetes"
species = "I. louisianensis"
binomial = "Isoetes louisianensis"
binomial_authority = Thieret

The Louisiana Quillwort ("Isoetes louisianensis") is a small, grass-like aquatic plant of the family Isoetaceae. It occurs in only five locations in Washington and St. Tammany Parishes of Louisiana and some spots in southern Mississippi (USA). It is considered to be an endangered species, partly due to its highly restricted range.

The Louisiana Quillwort occurs predominantly on sand and gravel bars on small to medium-sized streams. These plants live for periods underwater. They are regularly inundated as much as 50 centimeters (20 inches) following rains, and may be inundated for long periods in wet seasons. Its habitat follows roughly along the Bogue Chitto River.

Distinctive characteristics of this species include brown-spotted sporangial walls and megaspores with highly reticulate ridges, producing a spiny effect. The leaves are up to 40 cm long.

The Louisiana Quillwort was discovered recently, in 1972, and was listed as an endangered species in 1992.

References

External links

* [http://www.wlf.state.la.us/apps/netgear/index.asp?cn=lawlf&pid=716 Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries - "Isoetes louisianensis" (photo)]
* [http://www.odu.edu/webroot/instr/sci/plant.nsf/pages/taylorpages15 Old Dominion University - "Isoetes louisianensis" (photo)]
* [http://www.wikiplants.com/wiki/Louisiana_Quillwort_Isoetes_louisianensis_Thieret.ashx wikiPlants - "Isoetes louisianensis"]
* [http://www.pfmt.org/wildlife/endangered/images/LA_quillwort.jpgAlabama Cooperative Extension System - Louisiana Quillwort Endangered Plant (Photo)]