Two pondweeds at Holme Dunes

I recently had a closer look at two of the pondweeds growing at Holme Dunes.

Potamogeton pectinatus Fennel Pondweed is found in the brackish ditch north of the West Field fence.  It is the only Potamogeton to be found in brackish ditches near the sea and can grow rapidly to choke the ditches.

When you pull a leaf off the stem the sheath and ligule come away with the leaf (resembling grasses).

Zannichellia palustris Horned Pondweed has recently been found growing in the Crater Pool ( It was previously recorded by Petch, Swann and Newton in 1982).  It can be found in still brackish water. Its fruits are a distinctive banana shape, appearing after the tiny flowers in the leaf-axils.