“Water Ribbons”
Water ribbons (Cycnogeton procerum, formerly Triglochin procerum) are one of our most valuable WSUD workhorses.
These plants respond rapidly to changing water regimes and they can tolerate a wide range of conditions found in constructed wetlands. Large tubers enable them to store energy during dry conditions and regrow when water returns.
Their ‘corncob’ flower stalks are an important source of pollen above the water line and their semi-emergent habit means that they can thrive in turbid (murky) water. Once mature the seeds fall off the flower stalks and float to the edge of the wetland remaining buoyant through active photosynthesis. Seedlings then establish in shallow water, including areas where sediment is accumulating. seedlings can survive winter before main growth period in spring and summer.
These photos are from a natural wetland on the Hindmarsh River in Victor Harbor SA that receives stormwater where the water ribbons have formed a dense band around the water’s edge.
Habitat needs: still or slow-flowing fresh or brackish water. Wet mud to water 2m deep. Will colonise new areas within the wetlands once established.
Preferred position on a constructed wetland elevation gradient for the semi-emergent plant, Cycnogeton procerum (Water ribbons).
Identification notes: basal leaves, flat but full of spongy air-carrying tissue (aerenchyma), Leaves 0.2-2m long, 1-3cm wide that are held erect, semi-erect or floating (depending on water depth and plant size).
Robust plants with roots often ending in tubers (1-2cm diameter and around 4cm long). Inflorescence (flower stalk) is a dense spikey raceme up to 30cm long and 3-5cm wide.
Flowering occurs in warmer months (September to February) depending on the water regime with fruiting typically in late summer or autumn. Can be confused with other plants with strappy leaves (e.g. Vallisneria spp).
Conservation status: Common, found in all mainland States
Distribution of Cycnogeton procerum (Water ribbons) in Australia. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.