This species with a broad Mediterranean-Atlantic distribution is present in many regions of Italy, but appears to be in sharp decline; in some regions, such as Piedmont, is now extinct. It grows in ponds and marshes, submerged in shallow waters, from sea level to about 200 m; the species has become very rare almost everywhere: it seems that its survival is also linked to the mowing of marsh grass. Quite common in the temporary ponds of Sardinia, it is indicated in the Regional Red Lists as a species at risk (Conti et al., 1997). The genus is dedicated to Bartolomeo Bartolini Baldelli (XIX cent.) Minister of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany; the species name refers to the fruits, which are vaguely similar to those of buttercups (genus Ranunculus. Flowering period: April to June.

Italian name(s): Baldellia (Italia), Mestolaccia ranunculoide (Italia).