Broad-leaved pondweed
Potamogeton natans
Family: Potamogetonaceae
What it is like
A herb that grows in water. The leaves are of 2 types. The leaves under the water are small and narrow and 2 mm wide. The floating leaves are leathery and have long stalks. They are 5-9 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. The stalk is 6 cm long. The flower spike is 4.5 cm long.
There are about 100 Potamogeton species.
Where it is found
It grows in temperate and Arctic regions. In Pakistan it grows in high altitude Himalayas regions. It grows in lakes and ponds and is usually in slightly acid water.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Africa, Britain, Canada, Central Asia, China, Europe, Georgia, Himalayas, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Middle East, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Pakistan, Russia, SE Asia, Tajikistan, Tibet, USA, Uzbekistan
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Root, rhizome, stem