Cape pondweed

plant

Also known as: Aponogeton distachyus, water hawthorn

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June 22, 2026

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Cape pondweed, also known as water hawthorn, is an aquatic plant native to South Africa. It is characterized by long-petioled floating leaves and fragrant flower spikes that emerge above the water. Cape pondweed belongs to the Aponogetonaceae family, which is one of two families within the order Alismatales that include pondweeds. This plant is cultivated as an ornamental in ponds and greenhouses.12

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pondweed
Cape pondweed, or water hawthorn (Aponogeton distachyos), of the family Aponogetonaceae, is native to South Africa and is grown as an ornamental in pools and greenhouses. Many species of those families serve as food for waterfowl and as cover for fishes.
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Cape pondweed, or water hawthorn (Aponogeton distachyos), of the family Aponogetonaceae, is native to South Africa and is grown as an ornamental in pools and greenhouses. Many species of those families serve as food for waterfowl and as cover for fishes.
Read More