Short-fruited Nardoo
Marsilea hirsuta
Family: Marsileaceae
What it is like
A fern with a long creeping rootstock. It grows 2-15 cm high. The stalks are 2-15 cm long and can occur singly or in clusters. They can be smooth or hairy. The leaflets are 1-2 cm long by 0.5-1.2 cm wide. They are oval or wedge shaped. They are rounded at the tip. The spore body stalks are shorter than the capsules. The capsules are 0.4-0.5 cm long and at right angles to the stalk. They are densely hairy. They have 2 equal teeth at the base.
There are about 50-60 Marsilea species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in inland regions in Australia. It also grows near the coast in the north. It is usually in shallow water and swamps. It tolerates most frosts.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Sporocarp
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by division.