Stuckenia pectinata
(L.) BornerSubmerged herb, with branches slender, flattened, up to c. 3 m long. Leaf sheath basally united with base of leaf (united part 0.5–2.5 cm long), distally free and extended into a distinct ligule 0.3–1.5 cm long; ligule clasping branch. Leaves sessile; lamina linear, 1.5–15 cm long, up to 0.2 cm wide; margin flat and entire; apex acute; venation indistinct. Inflorescence c. 4–12-flowered. Infructescence 1.5–4(–6) cm long. Fruiting carpels 2.5–4 mm long (including distal point), smooth or obscurely keeled dorsally with 2 faint lateral ridges, distally with a ± straight point less than 0.5 mm long. Flowers and fruits Nov.–May.
MuM, Wim, GleP, Brid, VVP, VRiv, RobP, MuF, GipP, OtP, WaP, Gold, CVU, DunT, EGL, HSF, Strz, VAlp. Occurs in fresh to brackish or saline water, either still or fast flowing, of agricultural dams, lakes and creeks.
Vegetatively this species is similar to Ruppia maritima, however, the prominent ligule readily distinguishes it from that species which lacks a ligule.
Conn, B.J. (1994). Potamogetonaceae (including Ruppiaceae). In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J., Flora of Victoria Vol. 2, Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons, pp. 147–155. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
Spinning
