TRAPA NATANS VERBANENSIS (Water chestnut)

Trapa natans verbanensis (Water chestnut)

Trapa natans verbanensis, commonly known as water chestnut, is an aquatic plant characterized by diamond-shaped, serrated leaves that are arranged in a rosette. The leaves are olive green and tend to turn red in the fall, adding a seasonal touch to the aquatic landscape. The stems of the plant are reddish and support small white flowers.

Reproductive Cycle:

• The plant bears fruit in October. After pollination, the fruit undergoes a particular process: it folds under water, detaches from the plant and settles on the bottom of the body of water.
• There, the fruit will ripen and give rise to a new plant that will appear the following spring.
• Once the pulp is used up, the empty shell of the fruit rises to the surface again, completing the life cycle.

Plant Information:

• Exposure: Full sun

Trapa natans verbanensis is ideal for ponds and lakes exposed to the sun, where its singular reproductive cycle and the ornamental aspect of its color changes offer considerable botanical and aesthetic interest.