Anglestem Primrose-Willow
Ludwigia leptocarpa
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This plant was first noticed in great abundance in our wetlands during the summer of 2004 when it proliferated in the area near the outdoor classroom. It roots in water and grows up several feet above the water level. The flower has five yellow petals and is on a long pedicel or stalk.

Primrose-willow has broad aerenchymous roots. Aerenchyma is soft spongy root tissue found in plants where the root system is in submerged soil. The large air spaces within the roots allow more efficient gas exchange, particularly between the part of the plant growing above water and its roots. This is important for plants rooted in water where there is a low oxygen concentration.

Roots