Ten years after the introduction of Aldrovanda vesiculosa to the Czech Republic

Abstract

Aldrovanda vesiculosa L. is a critically endangered aquatic carnivorous plant, rapidly vanishing from Europe. Positive and negative reasons for its introduction are discussed. Ten-year experience in Aldrovanda introduction to the Czech Republic (1994–2000) shows that its can grow successfully in abundant populations at new sites also in an intensively agricultural landscape, where it had never been documented. The sites are usually reed- or sedge-dominated shallow dystrophic wetlands, as remainders of former peat-bogs close to hypertrophic fishponds, with great water level fluctuations. Very low water level in summer and low CO2 concentration (< 0.1 mM) are the main limiting factors for its growth. Most sites have been eutrophicated which has led to its decline or extinction. Summarily, out of 11 sites of introduction, only one can been considered as very good and sustainable. It contains 50,000-100,000 shoot apices every summer.