Protect Our Native Flora

Abstract

While on a trip to Nemeiben. (Sucker) Lake, northwest of Lac la Ronge, in early June, the writer col¬ lected a sample of Rcibbin's Pondweed, Potamogeton robbinsii Oakes. Its identification was later verified by Dr. G. F. Ledingham of Regina College. This pondweed has not previously been reported for Saskatchewan, but has been found in the northeastern states, Great Lakes region and Pacific northwest below our border. This pondweed is a completely submerged plant. It is best recog¬ nized by its stiff, dark green, tworanked. linear to lanceolate-shaped leaves that flank the stem, becoming crowded toward the end of the branch. These leaves are up to 2% inches long and 3/16 of an inch wide. The edges are finely serrate. Apparently it seldom produces fruit (seeds) and it is therefore of little value to waterfowl. In our northern lakes it might have some value to fish populations.