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Ottelia ovalifolia ssp. ovalifolia

Swamp Lily

Emergent, floating perennial herb.

Additional information

  • FamilyHydrocharitaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Sizeleaf stalks to 60 cm long
  • Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
  • LeavesMid-green elliptic to egg-shaped leaves 2-16 cm long with 5-7 longitudinal veins, arising as a basal tuft on long reddish stalks to 60 cm. Juvenile leaves submerged and strap-like.
  • Flower colourWhite with dark reddish-purple base
  • Flowering timeNovember to March.
  • FlowersLarge single showy flowers to 5 cm wide on long stalks, floating or emergent. Submerged flowers on short stalks do not open and are self-pollinating.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatYes
  • Growing conditionsAquatic, in water bodies and slow-moving rivers. Full sun, semi-shade.
  • Garden useHighly ornamental plant for pools and dams, similar in appearance to a water lily. Locally rare.
  • Commercially availableWholesale only - order in advance
  • Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites where it is rarely seen now.
  • Aboriginal Use Food - most parts
Photographer/s: 1 Richard Hartland ©; 2 Ken Harris ©

Plant Communities

  • 30 Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • 39 Sedge Wetland Complex (EVC 136)
  • 47 Open Water - Reservoirs, lakes, etc (EVC 718)
  • 35 Floodplain Wetland Complex (EVC 172)
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