WEEDS OF PONDS, RIVERS, DITCHES 335 



Another larger species 

 (L. trisulca L.), with fronds 

 \ to | of an inch across, 

 the young ones of which 

 grow out at right angles 

 to the older ones, is com- 

 mon also in many places 

 on stagnant water. 



A less frequent species 

 is L. polyrhiza L., with 

 several roots to each 

 plant, instead of one. 



ALISMACE^: 



Water Plantain (Alis- 

 ma Plantago L.) is a com- 

 mon inhabitant of ditches 

 and the edges of streams. 

 The stems are fleshy, with 

 a swollen base from which 

 spring up long-stalked 

 erect leaves (Fig. 97). 

 The submerged floating 

 leaves are linear, those 

 which come above the 

 water having long lan- 

 ceolate blades (6 to 8 

 inches long) with a cor- 

 date base. The flowers, 

 which are seen from June 

 to August, are pale pink, 

 with six perianth seg- 

 ments, and are arranged 

 in an erect panicle. 



FIG. 97. Water Plantain (Alisma Plantago L.), 

 x , with flower enlarged. 



