This species with a wide circumboreal distribution is present in Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and Calabria (as an ephemeral weed also in Piedmont and Sardinia). It grows in rice fields and in temporary ponds, from sea level to approximately 300 m. It is a characteristic species of Mediterranean temporary ponds, but in Sardinia it occurs only sporadically. The genus name is that of a plant mentioned by Pliny and comes from the Greek 'elate' (fir), in reference to the similarity of the submerged leaves of some species to the needles of the fir tree; the species name derives from Greek as well and means 'with 3 stamens'. Flowering period: June to September. |