Nardoo, Australian Water-Clover

Marsilea mutica

Physical Characteristics

Marsilea mutica is a FERN growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Australia - Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territories

Habitats

Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Spores - cooked[144]. A source of starch, the spores can be ground into a powder and used like flour. They are astringent and highly indigestible. The spores are contained in a sporocarp.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known