Illustration provided by: IFAS, Center for Aquatic Plants, University of Florida, Gainsville, 1990

Key Characteristics:

• Small, potato-like tubers (one quarter to one half inch long) are attached to the roots.
• Spiny looking leaf edges (look closely).
• The mid-rib of the leaf is reddish.
• Leaves are arranged around the stem in whorls of three to 10.