Romania #1867 (1966) – Waterwheel plant (Aldrovanda vesiculosa)

Aldrovanda vesiculosa, commonly known as the waterwheel plant or waterwheel fern, is a fascinating and rare aquatic carnivorous plant. It belongs to the family Droseraceae and is one of the few free-floating carnivorous plant species in the world. Waterwheel plants are native to various parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and they thrive in nutrient-poor, acidic waters.

Here are some key characteristics and information about the waterwheel plant:

1. Aquatic and Free-Floating: The waterwheel plant is entirely aquatic and free-floating on the water’s surface. It does not have roots, and its buoyant nature allows it to drift on the water’s surface.
2. Carnivorous Nature: Aldrovanda vesiculosa is carnivorous, meaning it captures and digests small aquatic invertebrates, such as water fleas and other tiny organisms, to obtain nutrients. It uses specialized traps, which are modified leaves that are equipped with sensitive trigger hairs. When an unsuspecting prey item triggers these hairs, the trap snaps shut, trapping the prey.
3. Appearance: The waterwheel plant has a unique appearance with a circular rosette of leaves. Each leaf is divided into multiple segments and has small traps along its edges. The plant’s name “waterwheel” is derived from the appearance of its traps, which resemble miniature waterwheels when they are open.
4. Habitat: Waterwheel plants are typically found in still or slow-moving waters, such as ponds, lakes, and shallow wetlands. They prefer water bodies with low nutrient levels and acidic conditions.
5. Reproduction: Waterwheel plants reproduce primarily through vegetative propagation, where new plants grow from the parent plant. They can also produce flowers and seeds, but this is a less common method of reproduction.
6. Conservation Status: Waterwheel plants are considered endangered or threatened in many regions due to habitat loss, water pollution, and the collection of these rare plants by enthusiasts. Conservation efforts are in place to protect and restore their natural habitats.

Waterwheel plants are of great scientific interest due to their unique carnivorous adaptations and rarity. They are also highly prized by botanical enthusiasts and collectors. However, because of their fragile status in the wild, it’s crucial to take precautions and adhere to legal guidelines when cultivating or collecting them, and to support conservation initiatives aimed at their protection and preservation in their native habitats.