Water Cabbage is an aquatic herb which floats on the surface of the water.
Its roots hang inside water beneath floating leaves. The thick, soft
leaves form a rosette. The leaves can be up to 14 cm long and have no
stem. They are light green, with parallel veins, wavy margins and are
covered in short hairs which form basket-like structures which trap air
bubbles, increasing the plant's buoyancy. The flowers are small, hidden in
the middle of the plant amongst the leaves. Male and female flowers are on
different plants. Small green berries form after successful fertilization.
The plant can also undergo asexual reproduction. Mother and daughter
plants are connected by a short stolon, forming dense mats. Due to its
growth habit, the plant spreads easily can be invasive.
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