Scientific Name: Vallisneria australis

Common Name: river ribbons

Family Classification (Clade): Monocots

Family: Hydrocharitaceae

Threatened Species Status: Rare

Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.

Form Description: Tufted perennial herb with ribbon-like leaves to 2m long, submerged in flowing fresh water.

Flowers: Small white female flowers borne on spiralling stems in summer, and very small male flowers on separate plants. As the fruits mature, they are pulled down to the pond floor by the spiralling stem.

Fruit: Fruits with viable seed are not found in most populations.