Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Potamogeton crispus L. (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Curled pondweed
 Description

Entirely submersed; rhizomatous. Stems to 180 cm long, much-branched, ± 4-angled. Leaves sessile, c. 1.5–6–(8) cm × 4–8–(12) mm, linear-oblong, obtuse, conspicuous nerves 3, widely spaced, usually with 2 finer submarginal nerves, margins ± crimped, usually with minute teeth especially towards tip, translucent, occasionally reddish; stipules 3–5 mm long, membranous, delicate and soon deteriorating to fibres. Peduncles 3–5 cm long, terete, often recurved. Spikes 0.5–1 cm long, few-flowered. Achenes to 4 mm long, including prominent curved beak ± = body, dark olive, flattened on sides, keel ± denticulate, lateral angles obscure.

[From: Healy and Edgar (1980) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 3.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Nov.–Jan.; Fruiting: Dec.–Mar.

 Bibliography
Biosecurity New Zealand 2012: Regional Pest Management Strategies Database. http://www.biosecurityperformance.maf.govt.nz/
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.