By Medha
Violet imposters
Did you know that water violets (also known as ‘featherfoil’) aren’t actually violets at all? They’re members of the primrose family. These beautiful aquatic plants bring a unique charm to the water’s surface, living mostly underwater with just their delicate flower spike peeking above the surface. Their blooms, which look a lot like other primroses, feature white or pale pink petals and a cheerful yellow “eye” at the center.
Water violet decline
Once a common sight across southeast England, water violets have had a tough time lately, landing a spot on England’s Red Data List due to a steep drop in their numbers. These plants thrive in clear, nutrient-poor waters, so water pollution and excessive drainage are among their biggest threats.
The scientific name for water violets, Hottonia palustris, gives a hint about their habitat preferences: palustris means “of the marsh.” The marshy, slow-moving waters that they thrive within aren’t just home to the water violet; they buzz with other life. Water spiders, beetles, and dragonfly nymphs share this habitat, and frogs, toads, and newts tadpoles are big fans, too. As well as providing shelter for other species, water violets are fantastic oxygenators, making them essential to biodiversity and a beautiful addition to slower streams and ponds.
So next time you’re near a quiet marsh or pond, keep an eye out for these “marsh primroses.” They’re not only lovely to look at, but they’re also doing vital work to keep our ecosystems healthy!
Not So Freshwater
Our Not so Freshwater campaign is calling on the UK Government to:
- Reduce pesticide use by 50% (volume and toxicity) by 2030
- Create ambitious targets to restore field margins and riverside ecosystems to reduce field run-off and boost our waters for wildlife and people
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