Nardoo, Banded Nardoo, Rainbow nardoo
Marsilea mutica

Family: Marsileaceae

What it is like

A fern with a long creeping rootstock. It grows 5-25 cm high. It often grows in long stands and the rootstock has few branches. The leaves have two tones forming a decorative marking. The stalks are 5-25 cm long and occur singly or in clusters. The leaflets are 2-5 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They are broadly oval or wedge shaped. The spore body stalks are longer than the capsules and are branched 1-3 times. The capsule is 0.3-0.5 cm long and oval.

There are about 50-60 Marsilea species.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It does best in warmer places. It is often in coastal districts. It grows in shallow water or the muddy edges of swamps. It needs good sunlight. It can tolerate slight frost. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Hawaii, New Caledonia, Pacific, Tasmania

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Spores, seeds

How it is grown

Plant are grown by division.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Marsilea brownii A.Br.;