Aspects of the ecology of Elatine Gussonei (Sommier) Brullo & al.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the aspects of the ecology of the sub-endemic Maltese Waterwort, Elatine gussonei (Sommier) Brullo & al. This study focused on surveying temporary rock pools inhabited by E.gussonei and evaluating how this species was influenced by abiotic factors and by the presence of syntopic species. This was done by sampling and reviewing sixteen rock pools in San Pawl tat-Targa, Naxxar, Malta, over a period of three months, between October and December 2019. The environmental variables recorded include pH, temperature, water surface area and water depth. These were then analysed against the frequency data of E.gussonei in the various rock pools, in order to acquire a plausible model for the distribution of this species amongst neighbouring pools. The results showed that some out of the factors studied did in fact have an effect on denoting and predicting the presence or absence of Elatine gussonei. On the other hand, when the species was attempted to be grown in laboratory, to test other combinations of environmental conditions with the aim of optimising the species’ growth, the seeds failed to germinate, hence the experiments did not have the expected outcome. Generally, Elatine gussonei prefers growing in places with high temperature, alkaline water pH and shallow water depth. The presence of different Macrophytic communities in temporary rock pools, usually indicates the type of factors characterising the pools. Nevertheless, due to time constraints and unpredicted weather conditions, the results obtained during the period of study might be incomplete.