Pontederiaceae

Pontederia azurea

Common Names: Anchored water hyacinth Synonyms: Eichhornia azurea

Plant Form: Mat-forming perennial aquatic plant. Size: Can reach a depth of 15 metres. Stem: Elongate, growing up to the water surface. Leaves: Submerged leaves are linear 6-20 cm long with a blunt tip and arranged in 2 rows on stem. Above water leaves are round 5-16 cm long and with a slender stalk. Flowers: Funnel-shaped with 6 toothed petals. Lavender blue or white with deep purple centres. Uppermost petal has a yellow spot. Fruit and Seeds: Capsule with numerous oblong seeds. Habitat: Wetlands, irrigation channels, riparian areas, marshes. Distinguishing Features: Differs from Water hyacinth (Eichhornia azurea) in being anchored to the mud rather than free-floating, and also having narrow leaf stalks.