Ceratophyllaceae

/ˌsɛrətəʊfɪˈleɪsi/ noun

Definition

The family of aquatic plants that includes water-weeds, named for the finely divided, horn-like leaves that resemble antlers.

Etymology

From Greek 'keras' (horn) + 'phyllon' (leaf) + '-aceae' (plant family suffix). Named for the resemblance of the delicate leaves to horns or antlers when floating underwater.

Kelly Says

Ceratophyllum plants are so weird that they have no roots at all—they just float and absorb nutrients from the water, yet they're so effective that they've invaded waterways worldwide!

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