It occurs in many water types, and can form dense mats. F rog's-bit leaves are very thick and leathery. They are either rounded, or in younger plants, somewhat heart-shaped with rounded lobes.
Younger leaves tend to be bright and shiny above and reddish underneath.
Undersides of young leaves have a central disk of red spongy cells. The leaf stalks have ridges on either side, and are firm. F rog's-bit may be confused with water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes . Compare the roots and stems. T he exotic limnophila has submersed and emersed leaves and stems.