A NEW RARE MACROPHYTE RECORD FROM SW ASIA AND ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS AT ITS HABITAT

Abstract

Aldrovanda vesiculosa L. is a cosmopolitan but very rare carnivorous aquatic angiosperm species from the family Droseraceae. The species was widespread and more common few decades ago but unfortunately it is being extinct in so many former distribution areas due to aquatic pollution and eutrophication. During the field trip to Karakuyu Lake we recognized a remarkable free-floating plant, after detailed investigation we identified the specimens as Aldrovanda vesiculosa which is a new record from Turkey and also SW Asia. In this publication, we provided detailed description of the species based on Turkish specimens, its habitat description, water physiochemical attributes, co-occurring macrophyte species list and botanical illustration of the species.