Quillworts (Isoetes species) are an aquatic group of lycophytes, so named because of their upright, tubular leaves. They usually grow at the bottom of lakes and mountain tarns. Completely submerged plants form dense tufts of leaves up to 30 centimetres high, while plants growing at the water’s edge are usually much shorter. Spores form at the base of the leaves and are released into the water when the leaf dies. Quillworts are fairly common in many South Island lakes, but are rare and declining in the few North Island lakes they inhabit.
Using this item
Private collection
by Patrick Brownsey
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.