The rare water fern Marsilea strigosa Willd.: Morphological and anatomical observations concerning a small population in a Mediterranean temporary pond in Puglia

Abstract

This study describes individuals in a small population of an endangered fern, Marsilea strigosa Willd. (Marsileaceae, Pteridophytae), recently found in Puglia, in terms of anatomy, morphology and characteristics of sporocarps and spores. Conservation measures to prevent the extinction of this rare species are proposed.

Keywords:

• Pteridophytae
• endangered species
• Mediterranean temporary ponds
• Marsilea strigosa Willd.
• Puglia

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Mr. George Metcalf for the English revision.