Hydrocharitaceae

O. o. subsp. ovalifolia

Tufted aquatic perennial herb with submerged and floating leaves. Flowers emerge above water on stalks up to 30cm long, white with a maroon base, and appear Nov-Mar.

Slow-moving or stationary freshwater up to 1 m deep, often in water with high nutrient levels. Frost resistant. Prefers 300 to 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.

Collect early Dec-late May. Immature fruit is withdrawn underwater where it matures and produces numerous finely hairy seeds, 2-3 mm long. Propagate from seed, germinates readily on mud and in warm shallow water. Keep seedling leaves submerged.

Useful in dams and ornamental for garden ponds or aquariums. Not known to be grazed by stock.