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
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Richard Hartland ©; 2 Ken Harris ©
Plant Communities