Morphological Markers to Identify Ceratophyllum demersum L.and C. muricatum Cham.

摘要

Ceratophyllum, commonly known as coontail/s widely distributed genus of family Ceratophyllaceae. It is the only genus of the family with a number of species of rootless submerged freshwater macrophytes. There are numerous species described in literature but the two species are most common (Ceratophyllum demersum L. and C. muricatum Cham). Both species are markedly distinct in their fruit morphology. Nevertheless, fruits are not always available in the field. But there is hardly any sharp distinguishing features available based on vegetative characters. Vegetative morphological distinguished characters are described to identify these two species of genus Ceratophyllum. A simple microscopic examination of bristle pair on leaf tip and angle of spine with leaf axis along the margin are two important characters that can be used as morphological markers to differentiate the two species of Ceratophyllum and in classification of these two species.