Vast areas of North America and Northern Europe were covered by ice during the last ice age and most present day lakes and streams were formed as the icecap melted some 10-15,000 years ago. New lakes and streams are constantly formed by natural processes, but also by human activities. Constructed wetlands
are emerging worldwide to tackle climate changes where they serve to reduce flooding during torrential rains, and such ephemeral wetlands often support a diverse amphibious vegetation. However, open (and abandoned) mining areas can also support large numbers of young ponds and since these are often permanently waterfilled they also support a rich truly aquatic vegetation. The present article portraits the amphibious Ranunculus lingua from a gravel pit that was abandoned in 1974 when the construction of the nearby freeway was completed.