Marsileopsida Polypodiophyta Plantae Flora and Fauna

Order of water ferns containing just three genera. They are heterosporous which means that they produce large megaspores and small microspores, corresponding to female and male spores. The genus Marsilea with about 50 species grows in mud, with its leaves resembling four-leaved clover floating in the water above. Its drought-resistant sporocarps can survive many years while still remaining viable.