View source for Marsilea

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Marsilea (Giovanni Marsigli. Italian botanist of last part of the 18th century, or Aloys Ferd., Graf von Marsigli, 1658-1730). Marsileaceae. Aquatic flowerless plants related to ferns (about 40 species), with lvs. like 4-lvd. clover or oxalis, one species of which, M. quadrifolia, Linn., is sold and is also run wild in the eastern states. It is a creeping plant, rooting in the mud on the margins of ponds and making an attractive cover. The petioles grow 3-5 in. tall, or taller in the water, and bear at the apex 4 bright green obcuneate or triangular lfts. The sporocarps or frs. are nearly sessile at the base of the petioles. Prop, easily by pieces of the runners, and is likely to become a weed. The young lfts. close at night. Eu. and Asia. Mn. 6, p. 107. M. Drummondii, A. Br. (Fig. 2327), is a greenhouse species needing moderate temperatures and pot cult, with abundance of surplus water in saucers or even set in a tank, partly submerged. Under the best conditions the long clover-like lvs. may reach a length of 18 in., and form a very attractive plant. The stalks and lfts. are covered with whitish hairs; the spores are borne in cases on separate stalks an inch or so long.
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