Aponogeton distachyos L.f.
Frost-hardy aquatic perennial with strap-like, oblong, floating leaves and small, hawthorn-scented white flowers held above the water from winter to autumn. A reliable, mainly winter-flowering plant in my garden. [RHSE, Hortus, FNSW].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘Root tuberous, eatable when roasted. […] Introduced into Kew Gardens, by Mr. Masson, in 1788. Blooms most part of the year when placed in the greenhouse’. [BM t.1293/1810]. It was apparently first naturalised in Britain at the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens and was reported to grow well outside in Southern England, particularly Cornwall, where it was introduced by Sir Charles Lemon. The flowering tops are sometimes used in the Cape Colony both as a pickle and as a substitute for asparagus. [The Gardeners Chronicle 1851]. PFG pl.43/1853. ABR pl.290/1803.
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues only [B.43/1850].
Notes
Published Jan 16, 2009 - 05:23 PM | Last updated Mar 13, 2010 - 05:56 PM
Aponogeton distachyos L.f. | BM t.1293/1810 | BHL
| Family | Aponogetonaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Southern Africa |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Cape pondweed, Water hawthorn |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Aponogeton distachyon |
| Confidence level | high |