Cape asparagus, Cape-pondweed
Aponogeton distachyos

Family: Aponogetonaceae

What it is like

A herb which grows in water and keeps growing from year to year. It has starchy storage roots or corms. It grows 60-80 cm high and spreads 80-100 cm wide. The leaves at the base arise from these tubers. The leaf stalks can be 1 m long. The leaves are narrowly oval and floating. They are 15 cm long by 5 cm wide. The flowering stalk grows above the water. It is divided and white. Each fork is 10 cm long with 6-12 oval and white bract like bodies with small flowers near their base.

There are about 12-44 Aponogeton species. They are tropical and subtropical.

Where it is found

It suits Mediterranean climates. It is native to South Africa. It grows in still or flowing water up to about 50 cm deep. It can grow in water 2 m deep. It grows in cooler places. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Australia, Britain, Europe, France, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Tasmania, Zambia

How it is used for food

The flowers are used as a vegetable. They can be used for pickles. The young fruit can be used as a vegetable. The roasted corms/rhizomes are eaten. The leaves are cooked and eaten.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. It is grown commercially in South Africa and also canned.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, roots, corm, fruit, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. They can also be grown by division. Sections of the rhizome can be grown in pots then put into water.

Its other names

Local names

Cape pondlily, Waterblommetjie, Water-hawthorn, Water onion

Synonyms

Aponogeton distachon;