Trapa natans
water chestnut
Trapa natans is an annual, deciduous floating plant that is commonly found in the temperate and subtropical regions of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It has been cultivated since ancient times and is known for its hardy, overwintering nut form. To remain anchored to the pond bottom, it deploys a main shoot that can reach up to three metres in length, whilst also utilising the barbs of the fruit that develop from the tender foliage. The plant's herbaceous leaves create an attractive 'starburst' rosette at the water surface and are supported by an air-filled stem, and inn autumn, the leaves turn a beautiful orange and red colour. The plant produces small, self-pollinating white flowers that appear during the summer months.
How to care for Trapa natans:
Plant into the bottom of a muddy-sandy pond up to a depth of 60cm at a spacing of 2-3 large floating plants per 1m². Allow the plant to die back naturally and remove any floating vegetation. In warm summers they will produce nuts that will survive at the bottom of the pond to produce new plants the following season. Despite its historic use as a food source, we are recommending this only as an ornamental plant.
Eventual height:
0.15m
Eventual spread:
0.2m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Aquatic
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
pack of 5
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