A vanishing forest at the bottom of the river: the ecology of Podostemum ceratophyllum

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v90i1.443

Abstract

Podostemum ceratophyllum Michx., an algae-like flowering plant commonly called hornleaf riverweed, is native to the Appalachian and Piedmont regions of North America. Podostemum grows underwater attached to rocks and stable substrates in fast flowing rivers and stream. The plant increases structural complexity in benthic habitats and is associated with increases in macroinvertebrate biomass and fish abundance. Functionally Podostemum sequesters nutrients and metals from the water column and allows them to be transferred into the food web. Podostemum can grow and spread relatively quickly, occupying large portions of the benthic surface in suitable locations. The plant can also achieve a substantial biomass, over 1000 mg m2, but herbivory on the plant can also be intense when consumers gain access to the plant. While Podostemum is an important component of many eastern rivers, records on where Podostemum occurs are incomplete and anecdotal evidence indicates the plant has been declining across its range. Currently, seven states (CT, KY, ME, NY, OH, PA, RI) list Podostemum as threatened, endangered, historical, or a species of special concern, but surprisingly little is known about plant’s habitat requirements or how changes in water chemistry affect Podostemum growth and survival. Here we discuss the current understanding of the ecology of Podostemum, interactions between the plant and other organisms, and how changes in water chemistry and water velocity can influence the growth and survival of this aquatic macrophyte.

Author Biography

James Wood, West Liberty University

West Liberty University

Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Assistant Professor

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Published

2018-04-02

How to Cite

Wood, J. (2018). A vanishing forest at the bottom of the river: the ecology of Podostemum ceratophyllum. Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science, 90(1). https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v90i1.443

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Section

Meeting Abstracts-Oral