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Mat-forming Quillwort
Isoetes tegitiformans
33.5496, -82.2569
Field Notes
Description:
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this is an Endangered Species endemic to the U. S. State of Georgia. An aquatic plant 3 - 8 centimeters (1.2 - 3.2 in) tall that reproduces by spores. Has five to 10 pointed, stiff and needle-like leaves, about 5 - 7 centimeters (2 - 2.8 in) long and 1 millimeter (0.04 in) wide. Leaves have light green tops that yellow toward the base. Spores form in May through October. Spore cases are 1 - 3 millimeters (0.04 - 0.12 in) long with spotted brown walls. Larger black warty or ridged megaspores are 5 millimeters (0.2 in) long and develop in a cavity in the leaf base. Similar Species: Many quillworts look alike; spore characteristics can only be determined by a microscope.
Habitat:
Found in rock-rimmed shallow pools on Piedmont granite outcrops, the plant anchors itself to the thin soil with its branched roots. It grows exclusively in shallow, temporary pools on granite outcrops, often with only 2 cm of soil. Only 7 populations are known to exist, and three of these have been destroyed since the plant's discovery in 1976. This one was photographed at Heggies Rock near Appling (Columbia County), GA. Heggies Rock is managed by the Nature Conservancy for its rare plant life.
Notes:
Pools are susceptible to degradation and possible destruction by quarrying, vandalism, off-road vehicle abuse, dumping, foot traffic, and soil accumulation. Changes in quality of water run-off due to nutrient loading and sedimentation can destroy these plants. It's also called Mat-forming Merlin's Grass and Spreading Quillwort.
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