Potamogeton suboblongus

Haeström

Rerewai

Potamogetonaceae Edible: Leaves 52 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A fast-growing perennial aquatic plant that is hermaphroditic. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic to basic pH ranges. Requires full sun and grows in water.

Description

A fast-growing perennial aquatic plant that is hermaphroditic. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic to basic pH ranges. Requires full sun and grows in water.

Edible Uses

Leaves are edible when cooked.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

New Zealand*,

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

There are about 100 Potamogeton species.

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/