River Buttercup

Description

Ranunculus inundatus, also known as river buttercup, is an amphibic plant native to south-eastern Australia. It grows on wet mud and in pond and river waters. This species can grow submersed, unlike many other Ranunculus species. The emersed form of R. inundatus is similar to that described for R. papulentus, but the latter is not a distinct species. R. inundatus produces sprouts in the substrate or on the substrate surface, with leaf stalks and roots located on nodes. Palmate leaf blades with forked pinnae are characteristic. To thrive, this plant requires high light levels (around 30 mg/l CO2) and regular fertilization. It can be cultivated emersed on wet substrates like loam, and may be kept outdoors during the warm season. The plant produces small yellow flowers when grown above water. R. inundatus takes time to adapt to new environments but once established, it produces many low-growing shoots that can quickly cover a foreground area.