What is Water Wheel Plant?

Water Wheel Plant, also known as Aldrovanda vesiculosa, is a carnivorous aquatic plant that belongs to the Droseraceae family. This plant is similar in appearance to the Venus flytrap, but it has circular, finely dissected leaves forming a whorl around a central stem. The leaves are connected by a long, slender, underwater stem that allows the plant to float freely on the surface of the water.

Habitat and Distribution of Water Wheel Plant

Water Wheel Plant is native to nutrient-poor freshwater habitats in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America. The plant can be found in shallow, stagnant, and nutrient-poor water bodies that are rich in minerals and acidic. The plant is especially common in temporary water bodies such as ponds, ditches, and flooded meadows.

Feeding Mechanism of Water Wheel Plant

Water Wheel Plant is a carnivorous plant that feeds on tiny aquatic invertebrates, including water fleas and mosquito larvae. The plant uses its circular, trap-like leaves to capture its prey, which are attracted by the plant's red color and the scent of nectar produced by the leaves. Once an insect lands on the leaves, the leaves snap shut, trapping the insect inside, and digestive enzymes are secreted that break down the insect's tissues. The nutrients released by the digested insects are essential for the plant's growth and survival in nutrient-poor waters.

Conservation Status

Water Wheel Plant is listed as a globally endangered species by the IUCN Red List due to its declining population size and the degradation of its habitat. The main threats to the survival of the Water Wheel Plant are habitat loss and degradation caused by land use changes and pollution. Invasive species such as water hyacinth and zebra mussels also pose a threat to the plant's survival by outcompeting it for resources and reducing its habitat availability.

Cultivation of Water Wheel Plant

Water Wheel Plant is a challenging plant to cultivate in a home aquarium, as it requires a pH of 5.6-6.5, low water hardness, and plenty of light. The plant also needs adequate nutrients, which can be provided by feeding it small aquatic invertebrates such as Daphnia and mosquito larvae. Water Wheel Plant can be propagated by seed or by separating the whorls of leaves and transplanting them into new aquariums.

In Conclusion

Water Wheel Plant is a unique and fascinating carnivorous aquatic plant that has adapted to living in nutrient-poor freshwater habitats. Despite its global endangered status, efforts are being made to conserve and propagate the species, both in its native habitats and in cultivation. By understanding the feeding mechanism and habitat requirements of Water Wheel Plant, we can help ensure its survival and study its potential applications in phytoremediation and biological pest control.