Marsilea quadrifolia Water clover (Marsileaceae)

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Marsilea quadrifolia
Water clover
(1 Page of 5)

The Marsilea quadrifolia plant species is found in C. Europe to Asia. It is a member of the Marsileaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Water clover.

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Latin Name:  Marsilea quadrifolia
Common Name:  Water clover
Family:  Marsileaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200]. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172].

Mature Height:  0.2   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Ponds and paddy fields all over Japan[58].

Propagation Notes: Spores. The plant produces sporocarps, these need to be lightly abraded and then immersed in water. The sporocarps will then swell and burst to release the spores. The spores germinate immediately, the highly developed prothallus remains inside the large seed-like spores. The gametophyte generation is completed in 24 hours and the first roots and shoots appear in 2 - 3 days. Mature plants bearing sporocarps can develop in as little as 3 months[200]. Division.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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