This species, often confused with I. hystrix and I. duriaei, is endemic to Sardinia, Corsica, Tuscany, and the Balearic Islands (Bagella et al., 2014). The life-cycle can be spent part in water, part on moist to dry soil. It is characteristic of temporary ponds that are flooded in winter and spring, but generally dry in summer, on acid substrates. In the temporary ponds of Sardinia it occurs in the outer belt, often associated with I. histrix. The genus name derives from the Greek 'isos' (equal) and 'ethos' (year), in reference to the leaves that persist throughout the year; the species name derives from Greek as well, and means 'with naked fruits', referring to the macrosporangia that are not covered by a velum as in other congeneric species. Sporulation period: March to May. |
