This perennial submerged species has two distinct leaf types. The submerged leaves are narrow (1/8 inch wide) while the green floating leaves are ovate, leathery and approximately 3/8 to 1 1/2 inches long and 10 to 20mm wide. A distinguishing characteristic of the floating leaves are the 7-11 veins while the submerged leaves have 3 veins one of which is visible to the eye. The “spike” flowers are emersed just above the water’s surface and appear on short stalks.
