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Proserpinaca palustris
Also called Marsh Mermaid Weed, Mermaid Weed
Proserpinaca palustris, the marsh mermaidweed or common mermaid-weed, is a species of flowering plant in the watermilfoil family (Haloragaceae). It is found in North America, the Caribbean, and Central America.
Proserpinaca palustris is commonly found in freshwater swamps, marshes, bogs, ponds, and shorelines in temperate climates in the Americas. It is found in the eastern half of North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and the southern coast of South America. It was recently observed as a probably introduction in the wetlands of the Southern Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina. This is common, as P. palustris is often found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and ditches. The Flora of the Southeastern US classifies P. palustris as a secure global species and is most abundant in the coastal plain of eastern North America, though not found in brackish water or saltwater. According to the IUCN, it is not currently threatened and is listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List and as secure by the Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council. However, though it is classified as a secure species, there are several states in the United States of America and several provinces in Canada whose populations are considered to be 'Imperiled' or 'Critically Imperiled'.
Proserpinaca palustris is used commercially as decoration for aquariums, as they grow much slower and smaller in controlled environments like fish tanks. They act as habitat enrichment and a method of beautification.
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Proserpinaca palustris by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts are shared under the same licence.
Life form, climate and native range: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (CC BY 3.0), reformatted; see Plants of the World Online.
