Propagation
Collect seed when ripe and store in distilled water during winter, then sow in spring under water, to a depth of 80mm (3in). Maintain a temperature of 27ş to 30ş C. (81ş to 86ş F).


Botanic information
Leaf: The large floating leathery orbicular leaves have a smooth upper surface with vertical rims (margins) to 200mm (8in) high. The slightly reddish underside is heavily ribbed and spiny and the fleshy petiole is up to 1m (3ft) long.

Flower: The nocturnal cyathiform flowers have many large white petals that turn pinkish on the second day. The sepals only have prickles at the base. The short-lived flowers open in the late afternoon lasting to the second day and are held above the water on a long fleshy pedicle and appear during summer.

Fruit: The large globular black berry sinks on maturity then disintegrates dispersing the seeds. The starchy seeds are edible.