Additional information
Main characteristics | Trapa natans is a floating plant, but still anchored to the bottom by long roots |
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Leaves | On the surface, Trapa natans has rosette-shaped leaves with red petioles that are slightly swollen to allow the plant to float |
Inflorescences | In midsummer, it produces small white flowers from which a hard, spiny seed (the water chestnut) develops |
Reproduction | In winter, the plant dies but deposits the seed at the bottom, which will sprout in spring, giving rise to the new vegetative cycle |
Edibility | Its seed can be eaten cooked or dried and ground into flour. The flavour is similar to that of chestnuts |
Planting depth | It is meant to float in water, but there must be a muddy layer at the bottom to allow the seeds to germinate in spring. Tolerates up to 2 metres depth and more |
Exposure | Full direct sun for at least 6 hours in the middle hours of the day |
PH tolerated | Acidic, neutral or basic (alkaline): 6.5 to 8 |
Frost Resistance | Yes, it withstands very cold temperatures |
Origin | Native plant of Europe |
Shipped plant | Bare-root |