River Broom

About

Common Names: River Broom
Classification: Herbaceous, Flower
Description: One of the few aquatic varieties of broom plant. This plant grows in moderately flowing water and rarely stands above the surface, instead its long fan-like leaves and flower head are drawn along in the current trailing downstream from the rooted stalk. The root of the River Broom is an excellent digestive aid, and cholagogue.

Rarity: Uncommon
Distribution: River broom is found in tropical to temperate slow flowing rivers.
Life Cycle: Bi-annual, flowering every second summer, producing a flat fan of red, pink, or white petals. The seed pod which develops is eaten by fish or other aquatic herbivores allowing the granular seeds to be dispersed up and down the river bed.