Deep-water plants

Aponogeton (Aponogetonaceae)
Water Hawthorne, Cape pondweed

The genus contains some 44 species of rhizomatous perenials, which are found in mainly tropical and subtropical areas, but there is one hardy soecies, which is used extensively in coldwater ponds.

Euryale (Nymphaeaceae)
Fox nuts, Gorgon plant

The genus containes a single species of large aquatic plants, which are native to India, Bangladesh and China. The floating leaves are spiny, and this has given rise to the common name Gorgon plant, a reference to the mythological snake-haired Gorgon.

Nuphar (Nymphaeceae)
Cow lily, spatterdock

There are 25 species of aquatics in the genus, and they are found in temperate areas of the northern hemisphere. They bear some resemblance to waterlilies but have tougher floating leaves and will grow in conditions that are either too deep or too shaded for waterlilies.

Nymphoides (Menyanthaceae)
Floating heart, water fringe

There are 20 species of submerged aquatics in this genus. They originate from temperate and sub-tropical areas around the world, and they resemble miniature waterlilies. They are often found in shallow, still waters, spreading very quickly to form a carpet of leaves.

Victoria (Nymphaeaceae)
Giant waterlily, water platter

The genus contains two species of tropical aquatics with very large floating leaves. The species are native to tropical America.