Scientific name: Potamogeton lucens L.
Common name: Shining Pondweed
Description
Habit: Aquatic perennials. Hybrids are rather frequent in this genus.
Leaves: Leaves mostly alternate, some opposite, all submerged, subtending inflorescences, all with membranous sheath or stipules; submerged leaves thin, translucent, rather wavy, oblong-lanceolate, apex acuminate to cuspidate, 25-70mm wide, tapered to a short stalk; stipules large and conspicuous, herbaceous.
Flowers: In spikes or heads; spike dense, 50mm long; peduncle stout, thickest below the spike, slightly longer than the spike; usually borne above the water-surface; perianth of 4 free, greenish segments; carpels usually 4, free; stamens 4, anthers stalkless, attached to the base of the adjoining perianth-segment.
Fruits: Drupes or achenes, 1 or more present, 3-4.5mm, brown, with thick pericarp, soft on outside but with bony inner layer.
Habitat: Pools, lakes and streams, usually in rather deep water.
Distribution: Frequent in the Northern half, rather rare in the South.
Native status: Native
Of conservation interest: No