Brasenia schreberi

Family Cabombaceae. From long horizontal rhizomes the stems rise almost to the surface, bearing alternate leaves on long petioles with floating shield-shaped blades.

Single dark purple flowers about 1 cm in diameter emerge to the surface from the leaf axils.

Planting: plant in a wide container with fertile soil. Lower into a sun-warmed body of water to a depth of 40-180 cm. Prefers slightly acidic water. Overwinters well.

Care: virtually none required.

Propagation: by dividing rhizomes, sowing fresh seeds.