Alisma plantago-aquatica
Water Plantain
Erect tufted emergent perennial herb.
Additional information
- FamilyAlismataceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size0.5-1 m x 0.5 m
- Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
- LeavesLong-stalked, to 80 cm, egg-shaped to oblong-elliptic leaves 10-28 cm x 5.5-10 cm, with prominent network of veins. Base rounded to heart-shaped.
- Flower colourPale pink
- Flowering timeNovember to March
- FlowersTall, rigid, leafless many-branched flowering stem with single, small long-stalked, 3-petalled flowers clustered in rings towards the ends of branches. Each flower lasts 1 day. Fruit like a mandarin.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatYes
- Growing conditionsAquatic in and near creeks, lakes and swamps, or above the water-line in drying mud. Full sun, semi-shade. May become dormant during very hot dry weather.
- Garden useAttractive water plant for shallow ponds and bog gardens. Will regenerate from seed. Dies back after flowering to rootstock.
- Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
- Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
- Related speciesDiffers from the rarer Damasonium minus in leaf size and shape and fruit.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 3, 4 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Richard Hartland ©
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