Photographs: the Gearagh, Co. Cork

Mudwort Limosella aquatica Lus lathaí Family: Scrophulariaceae Flowering time: July-October. Annual. Native. Small, long-stalked white flowers that are bell-shaped with 5 petals. The stalked, un-toothed, slightly fleshy leaves are in basal clusters, narrow-eliptical and broadest above middle. A hairless. creeping plant, its rooting runners forming large patches. The leaves (including stalks) to 8cm long, leaf blades to 2cm, but can be much smaller. A rare. vulnerable, protected species found on nutrient-rich, mildly acidic waterside mud and shingle by the edge of ponds, lakes and rivers. In the Burren found in limestone hollows.

Mudwort, Limosella aquatica, Lus lathaí