Marseilles hirsuta

Marsilea hirsuta, scientific name Marsilea hirsuta. Refers to the numerous clover ferns of Australia. It is found everywhere throughout the continent, where there is an abundance of moisture. It grows mainly in stagnant water bodies, such as swamps, lakes, backwaters of rivers. Currently, through the fault of aquarists, it has spread widely in the wild nature of North America, becoming an invasive species.

This is a very variable species that changes its shape depending on the growth conditions, which makes it difficult to correctly identify. Often, other closely related species are supplied instead, for example, Marsilia australis and, less commonly, Marsilia four-leafed.

Marsilia hirsuta forms a long creeping rhizome covered with fine pale brown hairs. On the rhizome there are narrow or wide leaves of a reverse wedge-shaped shape, 5–20 mm in length and 5–13 mm in width. The length of the petiole depends on the depth of the water and can reach 2–18 cm. Young shoots with single leaves resemble Glossostigma.

It makes relatively low demands on its growth. Prefers soft nutrient soil, soft slightly acidic water and moderate light. Used in the foreground in aquariums. Can be used in paludariums on wet substrates.