Range & Status

Native. European Temperate species. Mainly found in the western half of the British Isles.

Regional Distribution

Found in the natural water-bodies of Dozmary Pool (SX17) and Loe Pool (SW62) and more recently in man-made reservoirs including Colliford (SX17), Cargenwen (SW63) and Drift (SW42). It is probably still present in other reservoirs such as Stithians (SW73) and Siblyback (SX27) where it has been recorded before 1999. It occurred in Abbey Pool, Tresco (SV81) on the Isles of Scilly until at least 1990, and there is no reason why it may not still be present.

Habitat & Ecology

Easily overlooked, it grows in the shallower water at the edge of fresh-water lakes and reservoirs. In Scilly it grew on the muddy edge, and in deeper water, of a slightly brackish pool.

Threats

Changes in water quality and possibly salinity. Around Stithians (SW73), Colliford and Siblyback reservoirs (SX17), the alien Crassula helmsii has become locally abundant which may swamp out plants of bare reservoir edges.

Conservation

Possible clearance of Crassula helmsii .