Sparganium emersum Unbranched Bur-reed

A perennial water plant with short, creeping rhizomes. It produces long, keeled, strap-shaped leaves (4-12mm wide) that float on the surface of the water, oten in large masses on canals, lakes and ponds that are mesotrophic or eutrophic and neutral to alkaline in reaction. The inflorescences have four to eight male heads and below them, three to five female heads. Flowers are wind pollinated and the fruits are dispersed in water. It is a common species in Britain and widespread in Wales. It is locally common in West Glamorgan with large populations on the Neath and Tennant canals in the Vale of Neath. Non-flowering populations are common and may be overlooked.

Native