Ottelia acuminata (Gagnep.) Dandy

Flowering from May to October.

Ottelia acuminata var. acuminata is close relative of Ottelia acuminate var. crispa, but differs from the latter in its fruit triangular-conical (vs. slightly curved, fusiform), leaves not ligulate (vs. ligulate).

Ottelia acuminata is occurring in Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Sichuan, Yunnan of China.

Leaves wholly submerged; petioles varying greatly in length according to depth of water; leaf blades linear to broadly cordate, base usually cordate, margin entire or minutely serrulate, apex obtuse. Flowers unisexual. Spathe with 2-6 longitudinal ribs. Male spathe with 40-50 male flowers. Sepals green. Petals white with yellow base, obcordate or obovate, 1-3.5 cm; stamens 9-12; filaments hairy; anthers ovoid-elliptic; staminodes 3. Female spathe with 2 or 3 female flowers; perianth similar to male ones; ovary triangular-cylindric with 3 carpels; styles 3, deeply bifid; staminodes 3. Fruit triangular-conical, ca. 8 cm. Seeds narowly elliptical, without hairs.

The chromosomal number of Ottelia acuminata is 2n = 22 (Wang, 1986).

Growing in lakes, ponds, channels, paddy fields.

Ottelia acuminata is used as a food.