Water WhirlGrass

Catabrosa aquatica

Physical Characteristics

Catabrosa aquatica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain but absent in Spain and Portugal, N. and W. Asia, Algeria.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Seed[257]. No more information is given, but the seed is very small and fiddly to use. It would probably have been used as piñole or have been ground into a powder and used as a mush, as a thickener in soups and stews, or in making cakes, bread etc[K].

Medicinal Uses

A decoction of the plant has been used as a stimulant and tonic[257].

Known Hazards

None known