Cabomba Aublet. Common name: Fanwort.
A genus of about 5 species, aquatic herbs, tropical and temperate regions of America.
ID notes: When in vegetative condition, Cabomba is sometimes mistaken for other, superficially somewhat similar aquatics, such as Ceratophyllum (Ceratophyllaceae), Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae), and Myriophyllum (Haloragaceae). Cabomba has the leaves opposite or whorled (rather than strictly whorled), dichotomously divided (like Ceratophyllum), but the divisions lacking the marginal denticles of Ceratophyllum, and on a 1-3 cm long petiole (vs. sessile or on a petiole 0-2 mm long). Utricularia has the leaves sometimes dichotomously divided, but the divisions are usually irregular, the leaves are alternate (in most species), and bladder traps are present. Myriophyllum has the leaves pectinately rather than dichotomously divided.
References: Fassett (1953); Ørgaard (1991); Wiersema (1997c) In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (1997); Williamson & Schneider (1993a) In Kubitzki, Rohwer, & Bittrich (1993). Show full citations.
Hover over a shape, letter, icon, or arrow on the map for definition or see the legend. Data for arrows not developed for genera and families which may have species only occurring outside the flora area.
© Keith Bradley | Cabomba caroliniana | Original Image ⭷
© Gary P. Fleming | Cabomba caroliniana | Original Image ⭷Feedback
See something wrong or missing on about Cabomba? Let us know here: (Please include your name and email if at all complicated so we can clarify if needed.) We greatly appreciate feedback, and will include updates from you in our next webapp update, which can take a few months. If a species is not keyed, that's because keying is ongoing. Please don't send us feedback about unkeyed species.