Flora of New Zealand Series

Soft aquatic or semi-aquatic herb, stems rooting from lower nodes, 5-50-(100) cm. tall. Lvs in whorls of c. 4, of two rather distinct forms; submerged lvs 1-2 cm. long, sts closely spaced, pinnatisect with fine segs; in upper emergent lvs the mid portion becomes broader, at first with notched margin, then entire, sessile, ovate-oblong, obtuse, up to 8 × 5 mm., sts reddish, veins conspicuous when dry. Fls solitary in axils of upper lvs, normally hermaphrodite, bracteoles to 2 mm. long, lanceolate, with a few marginal teeth; sepals triangular, much < bracteoles, minutely denticulate; petals pale, sts pink, c. 2 mm. long, falling early; stamens 8, anthers c. 2 mm. long; styles and stigma hairs short. Fr. dull brownish red, c. 1·2 mm. long, surface almost smooth, mericarps rounded on outer faces and above and below.

DIST.: N., S., St., Ch. In ponds, lakes and slow-flowing streams.

FL. 11-2. FT. 1-2. Also in Tasmania, S. America and Falkland Is.