Common Coontail
Ceratophyllum demersum L.
Ceratophyllum demersum is a submerged, free-floating aquatic plant in the family Ceratophyllaceae. Commonly known as Common Coontail, it is native to all continents except Antarctica. It is a popular aquarium plant and has been introduced to New Zealand where it is considered a harmful weed. The plant's genome has been sequenced for studies on angiosperm evolution.
Description
Ceratophyllum demersum is a species of flowering plant in the genus Ceratophyllum. It is widely distributed across many regions, including Canada, Portugal, Brazil, and various islands in the Atlantic. It is characterized by its submerged, free-floating growth habit and is known for its ecological and horticultural significance. The plant is used in aquariums and has been the subject of genetic research due to its role in understanding the evolution of flowering plants.
Other common names
Common CoontailCommon HornwortCoon'S TailCoon'S-TailCoontailDitchweedHornwortRigid Hornworthornworts
Distribution
Alberta · British Columbia · Manitoba · New Brunswick · Nova Scotia · Northwest Territories · Nunavut · Ontario · Prince Edward Island · Quebec · Saskatchewan · Yukon · Açores · Portugal Continental · BR · Flores Island · Pico Island · São Miguel Island · Afrotropical · Australasian · Nearctic · Neotropical · Oriental (Indomalaya) · Palaearctic · Pacific (Oceania) · TW · MM · LK · SA · EG
Synonyms
Dichotophyllum demersumCeratophyllum cornutumCeratophyllum demersum var. commune
