Antarctic water-starwort facts for kids

The Antarctic water-starwort (scientific name: Callitriche antarctica) is a small plant. It grows flat on the ground. This plant has tiny yellow flowers. It belongs to the Plantain family (Plantaginaceae). You can find it in wet places. It lives on many islands around Antarctica. Its name "antarctica" shows where it comes from.

What Does the Antarctic Water-Starwort Look Like?

The Antarctic water-starwort is a small, green plant. It grows flat on the ground, like a mat. It has many stems that spread out. These stems can grow roots where they touch the ground. This helps the plant spread. It looks a bit like watercress.

Its leaves are small and thick. They are shaped like a spoon. Each leaf is usually about 3 to 5 millimeters long. They are also about 1 to 2.5 millimeters wide. The plant blooms from September to March. Its fruits are yellowish to dull brown. They are very tiny, about one millimeter across.

Where Does the Antarctic Water-Starwort Live?

This plant lives in many places around the southern part of the world. You can find it on islands like Campbell, Heard, and Macquarie. It also grows on the Auckland, Antipodes, Kerguelen, Prince Edward, Crozet, and Falkland Islands. It is also found on South Georgia and Tierra del Fuego.

The Antarctic water-starwort often grows in wet areas. It likes boggy places, along small streams, and around freshwater ponds. In these spots, it can be quite common.