This aquatic perennial has rhizomes and forms a clump with large dark green rounded leaves that are densely arranged on the water surface. The small white saucer-shaped flowers appear in clusters on a long stem from late summer to autumn.    

Hardiness zones 10 to 12 

Echinodorous cordifolius is naturally found in the south-eastern states of North America including Virginia, Illinois and Texas and extending to northern South America. It grows in and beside ponds or marshes and is commonly used in the aquarium trade as a specimen plant. 

It prefers subtropical regions but tolerates warm temperate in an open sunny position and is frost tender. 

The Texas Mud Baby is grown for its foliage and is used in and around ponds either emerged or above the water. It is also commonly used in the aquarium trade as a feature plant. It is suitable for sub-tropical coastal regions establishing in one season but care should be takes as it can become an invasive weed under optimal conditions. ID 2537
  
Echinodorous (e-kee-ō-DOR-us) cordifolius (kor-de-FOL-e-us)

Alismataceae (AL-is-ma-FAY-see-ee)