Sagittaria pygmaea is commonly known as the dwarf arrowhead or pygmy arrowhead.
Understanding Sagittaria pygmaea
Sagittaria pygmaea is an intriguing species of aquatic plant. It is categorized as a perennial herb, meaning it lives for more than two years and grows from its rootstock each season. This plant propagates efficiently through the use of stolons, which are specialized stems that grow horizontally along the surface of the soil, producing new plantlets at their nodes.
Key Characteristics of Sagittaria pygmaea
To better understand this aquatic species, here are its primary features:
- Plant Type: Aquatic plant species
- Growth Habit: Perennial herb
- Reproduction: Primarily reproduces by means of stolons
- Leaves:
- Typically linear to slightly spatula-shaped.
- They are not lobed, maintaining a simple, elongated form.
- Can reach lengths of up to 30 centimetres (12 inches).
Common Nomenclature
Here's a quick overview of the scientific and common names for this plant:
| Scientific Name | Common Names |
|---|---|
| Sagittaria pygmaea | Dwarf Arrowhead, Pygmy Arrowhead |
This plant's common names, "dwarf arrowhead" and "pygmy arrowhead," aptly describe its typically smaller stature compared to other Sagittaria species, while "arrowhead" refers to the characteristic shape of leaves found in many plants within the Sagittaria genus, even though S. pygmaea's leaves are not lobed.
