Family:
JUNCAGINACEAE
Cycnogeton procerum (Triglochin procerum)
Water Ribbons
Other Names: Swamp Arrowgrass, Ngareli, Pol-an-go
Regional Subspecies:
n/a
HABIT:
Robust rhizomatous emergent perennial aquatic with tuberous roots, semi-erect or floating leaves, and tall greenish cylindrical flower/seed spike.
HABITAT & SITE PREFERENCE:
Most freshwater situations in water up to 2 m deep, including billabongs, soaks, flooded hollows, sluggish rivers, and fast-flowing mountain streams. Prefers 300 to 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.
SEED COLLECTION & PROPAGATION:
Collect late Jan-late May, seeds shed in 3-14 days. Fruit consists of 6 elongated chambers (5-10 mm) that separate and fall. Propagate from seed (germinates readily in shallow water in autumn) or transplants.
VALUES & USES:
Useful in dams, provides habitat for waterbirds and fish. Edible tubers roasted and pounded by First Nations People.