Ceratophyllum demersum

Ceratophyllum demersum, commonly known as hornwort (a common name shared with the unrelated Anthocerotophyta), rigid hornwort, coontail, or coon's tail, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Ceratophyllum. It is a submerged, free-floating aquatic plant, with a cosmopolitan distribution, native to all continents except Antarctica. It is a harmful weed introduced in New Zealand. It is also a popular aquarium plant. Its genome has been sequenced to study angiosperm evolution.

Description

A plant which grows in water and under the water. It forms tangled colonies. The stems are brittle and do not have roots. They are branched. They can be 2 m long. The leaves are 1.5-4 cm long and slender. They are dark green and forked. There are 7-12 leaves in a ring. The flowers are small and occur singly at the nodes. The flowers are of one sex. Male flowers have several stamens on a common stalk. Female flowers have an ovary without a stalk. The fruit are black and 4.5 mm long. There are 3 spines one at the end and 2 at the sides.

Edible Uses

The leaves are edible. No further details are given.

Traditional Uses

The plant is boiled and eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The plant is a cooling antiperiodic. It is useful in the treatment of biliousness and scorpion stings.

Distribution

They grow in temperate to tropical waters. It occurs in streams, ponds and lakes. It grows in still or slow-flowing water. It can be in water up to 10 m deep. Flowers and fruit occur in water about 25°C. It grows best in slightly alkaline water rich in nitrogen. In Zimbabwe it grows up to 1,600 m above sea level. in Sichuan and Yunnan. In Uni of Calicut BG.

Where It Grows

Africa, Antilles, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Britain, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Central America*, Central Asia, Chile, China, Dominican Republic, East Africa, East Timor, Europe, Fiji, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Malawi, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, New Zealand, North America, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Paraguay, Russia, SE Asia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South America*, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Uruguay, USA, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

Cultivation

Prefers a sandy medium rich in decaying organic matter in full sun, but it tolerates shade better than most submerged aquatic plants. A good pond oxygenator, it usually grows submerged in the water but is sometimes found floating on the surface. This species belongs to one of only two known dicot genera where pollination taks place under water. The anthers of male flowers break off the plant and float to the surface where they release their pollen grains. These then sink under the water to fertilize the female flowers. This species, however, more commonly reproduces asexually. In some parts of the world bilharzia-carrying snails and malaria-carrying mosquito larvae shelter in the leaves of plants of this genus. The plants can also grow so vigorously as to choke waterways, though they also provide good shelter for young fish. The plant is very brittle.

Propagation

Sow seed as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse with the pot immersed in water. Seed likely loses viability quickly if allowed to dry out; if stored, keep it cool in a container of water and sow in late winter. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle, and grow them on in a tray of water in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Cuttings taken during the growing season root easily. Plants also propagate naturally when scaly young shoots or winter buds separate from the main plant.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are 3 Ceratophyllum species. It is used in medicine. This one occurs almost worldwide.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Candelabroaquatica, Cola de mono, Coontal, Foxtail, Gamban, Jin yu zao, Ksitsi, Mpusi, Nambha, Nasu, Navadni rogolist, Sheoyala, Shivala, Sivara, Ye-hnyi

References (26)

• Ambasta S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 117
• Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 239
• Cowie, I, 2006, A Survey of Flora and vegetation of the proposed Jaco-Tutuala-Lore National Park. Timor-Lests (East Timor) www.territorystories.nt/gov.au p 45
• Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1984, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 3. Lothian. p 11
• Flora of Solomon Islands