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Plant
Identification
Brittle Naiad (Marine Naiad)
 Description Management
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Photos
Najas
marina
Brittle naiad, marine
naiad, or spiny naiad occurs in fresh or brackish waters. It is a rooted
submerged annual plant that resembles southern naiad except the leaves
are highly toothed (3 - 12 teeth). Leaves are up to 1 1/4 inch
long and 3/16 wide with several leaves at each node. Flowers
(1/8
to 3/16 inch long) are found during summer, in the leaf axis.
Submerged
portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro
and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used
as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians,
reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition
by bacteria and fungi provides food (called "detritus") for
many aquatic invertebrates. Brittle naiad is readily consumed
by ducks.
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Submerged
Plant Index
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" indicates Non-Native plants.