Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Aponogeton

Family: Aponogetonaceae (Cape pondweed)

Synonym: Aponogeton crinifolium

Distribution: Western Cape

Habitat: Shallow pools or slowly moving streams that dry out in summer

National red list: Vulnerable

Life form: Geophyte (bulb, corm or tuber - seasonally dormant)

Comments: This species is not only range-restricted, but is also very localised to seasonal pools and streams and as a result has an area of occupancy of only about 120km^2. It is currently not considered a threatened species, but if habitat loss continues it will soon be classified as a vulnerable species. Habitat loss and degradation across its range is mostly due to urban expansion. Much of the remaining habitat has been degraded and instead of being seasonally waterlogged, it is now permanently inundated.