Edible: Leaves
A plant which grows under water. The stem is much branched. It is 15-30 cm long. The leaves are carried in rings. They are light green and sword shaped. They are 1-2 cm long by 0.2-0.5 cm wide. The leaves have fine teeth along the edge. These teeth allow light through. The leaves can have reddish-brown dashes. It develops white corms on the stolons in the soil.
It grows in warmer places in slow moving streams and lakes. It can grow in water 3-5 m deep. It is used as an aquarium plant. In Pakistan it grows to 2,000 m altitude.
Synonyms:
Hydrilla ovalifolia Rich.;
Hydrilla polysperma Blatter;
Serpicula verticillata Linn. f.;
Vallisneria verticillata Roxb.;