Anatolian quillwort

The Anatolian quillwort (Isoetes anatolica) is a rare perennial herbaceous spore-bearing plant belonging to the family Isoetaceae.

This species is an endemic plant native to Turkey, primarily inhabiting specific wetland ecosystems, such as shallow waters with fluctuating water levels.

The plant features a distinct rosette of linear, stiff leaves arising from a short, corm-like stem that serves as a storage organ for the plant.

For optimal growth, the species requires specific substrates rich in mineral components and high-quality, clear water with minimal anthropogenic impact.

In its natural habitat, the species is highly sensitive to the drying of water bodies and changes in hydrological regimes, serving as a biological indicator for ecosystem health.