Morphological observations on the co-occurring geophytes Isoetes duriei Bory (Lycophyta, Isoetaceae) and Romulea columnae Sebast. et Mauri (Anthophyta, Iridaceae)

Some preliminary observations on the morphoplogy and leaf anatomy of two geophytes, Isoetes duriei and Romulea columnae, co-occurring in a Mediterranean temporary pond, have been reported. The species examined possess characters favourable to the survival of both flooded and arid conditions. The adaptive traits to flooding appear plastic in R. columnae, while I. duriei is “structurally” an aquatic plant. Evolutionary and ecological aspects are briefly discussed.