Potamogeton cheesemanii
A. Bennett
Rerewai
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY)
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Summary
Source: WikipediaPotamogeton cheesemanii or red pondweed (rērēwai or mānihi in Māori) is a species of plant, indigenous to New Zealand and Australia. It is a vascular monocot.
Description
Potamogeton cheesemanii is a perennial aquatic plant that grows in full sun. It thrives in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acidic to basic pH. The plant is hermaphroditic and cannot tolerate shade. It prefers wet conditions and can be fully submerged in water.
Edible Uses
Leaves are edible when cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Australia, New Zealand*, Tasmania,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. A submerged aquatic plant that can be used as an oxygenator of ponds. It is best given a loam based medium in full sun. A fast growing plant in need of constant checking to make sure it does not overrun the pond. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus, the resulting progeny is usually sterile.
Propagation
No specific information is available for this species, but the recommended approach is to sow seed in a pot standing in its own depth of water in a greenhouse as soon as ripe, since stored seed is likely to lose viability quickly. Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle and gradually increase the water depth around the pot until plants are covered by a few centimetres. Grow on in a sunny greenhouse position through the first winter, continuing to increase water depth as plants develop. Plant out into permanent positions in early summer. Alternatively, divide plants in spring or take cuttings of erect shoots during the growing season.
Other Uses
None known.
Notes
The Potamogetonaceae or pond weeds grow in water, under the water. They need nutrient rich water but are sensitive to pollution. There are about 80 Potamogeton species. There are 17 species in tropical America.
Synonyms
References (2)
- Crowe, A., 1997, A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Penguin. p 158
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
