HOLLY-LEAVED WATERNYMPH 



Najas marina L. 



This member of the A'^/^c/ family is easily recognized by its 

 spiny-stiff leaves that resemble the leaf of holly. 



Stems of this completely submersed species branch loosely near the 

 plant base. The stem internodes are often armed with prickles. The 

 stiff leaves are oblong to linear with coarse spiny margins, and are often 

 spiny toothed along the back of the midrib vein (insert 1). The leaf 

 bases are rounded and broad, forming a conspicuous sheath at the 

 stem. Flowers and fruits of this annual plant are produced in the 

 sheathed base of the leaf axils. The fruit is a nutlet enclosed in a loose 

 membrane-like covering that is easily separated. 



Holly-leaved Naiad, as it is sometimes called, may be found in both 

 deep and shallow alkaline water. It is apparently not widespread or 

 commonly found, but has been reported as an invader in irrigation 

 canals of the Southwest. 



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