Hydrocharis morsus-ranae | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Alismatales |
Family: | Hydrocharitaceae |
Genus: | Hydrocharis |
Species: | H. morsus-ranae
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Binomial name | |
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae |
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L. is a species of the genus Hydrocharis known by the common name European frog-bit. It is a free-floating flowering plant that bears small white flowers. "Morsus-ranae" means "frog bite" in Latin, and it is part of this species' scientific name because frogs might seen as biting on the leaves.[1] European frog-bit is often mistaken for an American frog-bit (Limnobium spongia) due to their similar looks and floating freely.[2] It usually displays invasive behavior in Canada and North America, having a major impact on native ecosystems. However, European frog-bit is efficient in accumulating high concentrations of heavy metals and chemicals, removing waste from water.[3]