Amphibious Water-milfoil

Description

Myriophyllum simulans, also known as filigree Myrio, originates from eastern Australia, primarily growing in its emergent form in muddy areas along waterbody edges or marshes. It forms dense lawns and was introduced to Europe by P.J. van der Vlugt in 1983, initially sold as Myriophyllum propinquum or "M. propinum" in the trade. A.E. Orchard later described it as a distinct species in 1986. True Myriophyllum propinquum is native only to New Zealand. M. simulans belongs to a complex of Australian milfoils, including M. jacobsii, M. crispatum, and M. variifolium. The emergent form differs from the submersed form: leaves are non-pinnate, have entire margins, and are needle-like or linear, growing in whorls on thick stems. In contrast, the submersed form has finely pinnate leaves similar to other milfoils, with light green coloration, thin hair-like pinnae, and a thinner stem compared to the emergent form.