Elatinaceae

n/a

Mat-forming herb spreading to 15 cm diameter, or with stems up to 40 cm high when submerged. Leaves are ovoid, 2-5 mm long (or up to 15 mm on submerged plants). Small, inconspicuous, green or pink flowers nestled in only one leaf axil per pair. Short-lived.

On wet mud beside lakes, dams, watercourses, and occasionally in still or slow-moving water to 1 m deep. Prefers 300 to 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.

Collect seed Nov-Mar. Propagate from stem pieces or from seed sown onto mud or using the bog method. Fast growth rate.

Useful for stabilising wet areas around dams or wetlands, as it can be fast-growing in strong light.