Vallisneria australis

Eel-weed

Submerged perennial herb rooting at leaf nodes. Plants male or female.

SynonymVallisneria americana var. americana, Vallisneria spiralis
FamilyHydrocharitaceae
StoreyLower storey
Sizesubmerged x 30 cm
Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
LeavesTufts of strap-like submerged or floating leaves either all basal or scattered along the stem, 15-30 cm long, 5-9-veined, margins with tiny teeth towards the tip.
Flower colourPink, white
Flowering timeNovember to March
FlowersFlowers minute. Male flowers enclosed within a shortly stalked bract to 20 mm long; flowerhead breaks off and floats before pollen released. Single female flower enclosed in a bract on a very long, coiled stalk, opening on the water surface.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatYes
Growing conditionsFreshwater lakes. Full sun, semi shade. Restricted to 1 known site just within the Shire.
Garden usePlant in ponds and dams to provide habitat for fish and other water fauna.
Commercially availableWholesale only - order in advance
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from the Yarra Flats area.