This plant grows on every continent except Antarctica. It is fully submerged and does not have any floating or emerged leaves. Leaves are filament-like. The flowers are wind pollinated and the seeds float. Tubers form on the rhizomes and are rich in starch. Reproduction occurs from seeds, rhizomes or fragmentation.
The whole plant provides food for a diverse population of wildlife. Waterfowl eat both the fruits and tubers. Plants rapidly spreads between bodies of water and can become a nuisance in smaller water bodies.
