Clover Fern (Marsilea drummondii)

Overview

Clover Fern, or Common Nardoo (Marsilea drummondii), is a fascinating aquatic fern with four-leaf clover-like fronds. It grows in seasonal wetlands and can survive drought as dormant sporocarps.

Taxonomy

Description

Fronds consist of four wedge-shaped leaflets (pinnae) on a long stipe, resembling a four-leaf clover. The plant produces hard, bean-like sporocarps at the base of the stipes that contain spores and can remain viable for decades.

Habitat and Cultivation

Found in ephemeral pools, floodplains, and muddy margins. In cultivation, grow in shallow water or very wet soil; allow to dry out seasonally to trigger sporocarp production. Full sun to partial shade.