Horse alga
Potamogeton oxyphyllus
Family: Potamogetonaceae
What it is like
A plant that grows in water. The stems are slender and have many branches. The stipules form sheaths. The leaf blades are narrow and 5-10 cm long by 2-3 mm wide. They taper at the tip. The flowers are very small and in spikes in the axils of leaves.
There are about 100 Potamogeton species.
Where it is found
It grows in temperate and tropical places. It grows in ponds and streams usually in slightly acid water.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Russia, SE Asia, Taiwan, Tibet
How it is used for food
The leaves and tender shoots are eaten.
It is a local food.
Edible parts
Leaves, root, stem