Roundleaf pondweed
Potamogeton distinctus

Family: Potamogetonaceae

What it is like

A pond-weed that grows under water. It has rhizomes 20 cm deep in the soil. The leaves are mostly floating. They are narrowly oval and 10 cm long by 4 cm wide. They are on leaf stalks about 10 cm long. Flowers are on stalks 7 cm long. They are in a cylinder shaped spike 7 cm long and 1 cm thick. This bends down into the water when fruiting. The fruit have 1-4 lobes. They are 3-4 mm long.

There are about 100 Potamogeton species. It is considered a weed.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in ponds and paddy fields. It can grow in moist soil. It needs a sunny position. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, East Timor, Himalayas, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Pacific,Philippines, Russia, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Timor-Leste, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves and stems are cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, stem

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by root division. The rhizomes in the mud can act as storage systems and re-grown when rains come. Plants can be grown from seed. Seed can be dormant 120 days after they fall.

Its other names

Local names

Bog pondweed, Hirumushiro, Pani jhar, Shochum, Shoum

Synonyms

Potamogeton alatus Koidz.; Potamogeton franchetii A. Benn.; Potamogeton longipetiolatus E. G. Camus; Potamogeton perversus A. Benn.; Potamogeton tonkinensis E. G. Camus; and others