Can be found growing in freshwater across northern Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland and northern New South Wales.
The very large leaves float on water with beautiful multi petalled flowers standing proud of the water – pink, white, purple or blue.
The bulbs and roots are roasted before eating. Seed pods (just below the water surface) can be eaten raw. The stems roasted and chewed.
The leaves were crushed and rubbed over the skin to prevent leech attack.