Eel grass, Tape-grass, Wild celery
Vallisneria spiralis
Family: Hydrocharitaceae
What it is like
A plant which grows under water. The leaves are like ribbons. They grow in rings. They are 20-80 cm long by 0.5-1.3 cm wide. The leaf veins run parallel along the leaf. There are small dents near the leaf tip. Male and female plants are separate. The flower stalk forms spirals. The male flowers break off and swim to the surface to release their pollen. The spiral flower stalk contracts and the seeds ripen below water level. It has many different growth forms.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It will grow in the subtropics. It is grown in aquaria. It grows in still and flowing water.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Botswana, Britain, China, Europe, India, Indochina, Japan, Luxembourg, Myanmar, North Africa, Pakistan, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The young leaves are eaten in salads.
Edible parts
Leaves, vegetable
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Hasururibbongida, Jal sarpolian, Jallil, Kudare-baladagida, Nga-shint-myet, Panchadub, Pata sheeola, Phiti-chesaivale, Punatsu, Sawala, Syala, Ye-nhyi