Aponogeton - Cape Pondweed, Lace-Leaf, Lattice-Leaf, Water Hawthorne

(Aponoge'ton)

DESCRIPTION: These hardy and tender aquatic plants are native to Asia, Africa and Australia. A. distachyus, the Water Hawthorne or Cape Pondweed, is the most popular variety. It forms oblong green and red leaves that float on the water's surface. In the spring and fall, inflorescences rise out of the water bearing vanilla-scented, white flowers that are speckled with black. A. fenestralis, the Lace-Leaf or Lattice-Leaf, is a tender plant that sends up long-stemmed leaves. The leaves have a lacy appearance because of the midribs and veins. They are pale yellow at first, changing to olive-green and eventually black. It needs a minimum temperature of 50 degrees.

POTTING: Grow these plants in containers and place in water up to 2 feet deep in the spring, in sun or partial shade.

PROPAGATION: They may be divided in the spring or fresh seeds may be sown. Seeds will germinate readily.

VARIETIES: A. distachyus var. aldenhamensis, Lagrangei, roseus; A. fenestralis.

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