Spiny naiad, Holly-leaf Waternymph, Prickly water nymph
Najas marina

Family: Hydrocharitaceae

What it is like

A water plant. It grows as an annual herb. It grows up to 3 m high. The leaves are 5 cm long by 0.5 cm wide. There are large, spine tipped teeth along the edge. The leaves form a sheath at the base. The flowers are of one sex and occur singly in the axils of leaves. Male flowers have a leafy spathe at the base. The flowers are 3-4 mm long. They have one stamen. The female flowers do not have the leafy spathe. They are 3-4 mm long. Flowering and fruiting take place beneath the water surface.

Also put in the family Najadaceae.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate and tropical places. It grows best in warm places. It grows in lakes with fresh or brackish water. It grows quickly when water temperatures are above 20°C. It can grow in slightly salty water. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Central Asia, China, Europe, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Russia, SE Asia, South America, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, USA, Uzbekistan, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Najas fucoides Griff.; Najas major All.;