Alisma nanum is a type of plant that belongs to the Alismataceae family.
This interesting plant species is found only in the Xinjiang region of western China.
Where Does Alisma nanum Grow?
Alisma nanum thrives in marshes, which are wet and muddy areas.
It’s found at elevations of about 600 meters in Xinjiang, China.
What Is the Climate Like in Xinjiang?
Xinjiang is a region in western China that has a varied climate.
The area where Alisma nanum is found is most likely wet and marshy, perfect for this plant species to flourish.
What Does Alisma nanum Look Like?
This slender plant has some unique features that set it apart from other plants in the marsh.
Leaves
Alisma nanum has aerial leaves, which means they grow above the ground. The leaves have a petiole or stalk, that is 1.2 to 4 centimeters long and slender.
The leaf blade is broadly lanceolate or elliptic to ovate, measuring 1.5 to 3.7 centimeters long and 0.6 to 2.3 centimeters wide.
The base of the leaf is rounded or slightly cuneate, and the apex is acute.
Flowers
Alisma nanum has white or pinkish petals that are equal to or larger than its sepals, which are broadly ovate and about 1.5 by 1.2 millimeters.
The anthers are around 0.2 by 0.5 millimeters in size.
Fruit
The fruit of Alisma nanum is achene, which is a small, dry fruit. It’s elliptical in shape and about 1.5 millimeters long.
The achene is grooved on the side facing away from the stem, and the lateral pericarp is translucent and thin.
When Does Alisma nanum Flower and Fruit?
Alisma nanum flowers and produces fruit between the months of July and September.
What Are Some of The Unique Features of Alisma nanum?
There are a few characteristics that make this plant stand out from others in the marsh.
Reproductive Structure
Alisma nanum has a panicle, which is a branched cluster of flowers. The panicles are 2 to 9 centimeters long and have 1 to 3 whorls of 3 to 9 branches.
The pedicel, or stem connecting the flower to the main stem, is 1 to 2.5 centimeters long.
Carpels
Alisma nanum has 8 to 12 carpels, which are the female reproductive structures of the flower.
Each carpel has a style, or stalk, that is 0.1 to 0.2 millimeters long.
These styles are shorter than the ovary and have stigmatose, or sticky areas, in the upper 1/5 to 1/3 of their length. This unique feature helps with the plant’s reproduction.
You can check out what this plant looks like over here.
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Alismataceae |
| Genus: | Alisma |
| Scientific Name: | Alisma nanum |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |