About Aponogeton distachyos L.f.
Aponogeton distachyos L.f. is an aquatic plant that grows from a tuberous rhizome. Its frequently mottled leaves float on the water surface, attached to the rhizome via a petiole that can reach up to 1 meter long. The leaf blade is narrowly oval, measuring 6–25 cm long and 1.5–7.7 cm wide, with a smooth entire margin and parallel veins. Flowers grow on an erect spike that splits into two branches at the apex, forming a Y shape, and are held above the water surface. The flowers have a sweet scent, with one or two white petal-like perianth segments 1–2 cm long, and six or more dark purple-brown stamens. This species was first described by Carolus Linnaeus the Younger in 1782, in Supplementum Plantarum 32, 214, under the name "distachyon".
For cultivation and uses, Aponogeton distachyos is widely grown in South Africa for its edible buds and flowers, which are used in the traditional dish waterblommetjiebredie. It is also used as a plant for aquariums and ornamental ponds. It was introduced to Europe in the 17th century, and later brought to other regions around the world. It has escaped from cultivation into the wild, becoming widely naturalized in Australia, and occurring more locally in France and England. In North America, it is naturalized in southern and western California.
This species can grow in full sun or partial shade. The recommended planting depth is approximately 45 centimeters (18 inches). At least in the United Kingdom, it flowers rather unpredictably, though the first flowers generally appear starting from mid-spring, with a blooming break in mid-summer. During mild winters, flowers may continue to appear intermittently. Dormant plants can survive winter at the bottom of ponds when grown in deep water, but in regions with severe winters, it is recommended to lift the plants and overwinter them indoors. Clumps can be divided between November and April. Seeds can be collected floating on the surface of aquariums or ponds, and can be sown in spring in roughly 3 cm (just over one inch) of water, on a peat or loam substrate held at around 20 °C (68 °F). Seeds germinate within 1–2 months. After germination, pot seedlings into individual pots and grow them in a sheltered location in shallow water for their first year.
