Tubers seldom survive drying conditions. Sepals 4, lanceolate to elliptic . Numerous petals gradate into numerous smaller , petal-like stamens. Ovary partially inferior , with curved finger-shaped stigmas. Flowers open near noon and close late afternoon for 2 consecutive days.
Stigmas are receptive to insect pollination the first day.
Anthers shed pollen the second day. Closed flowers submerge to develop fruits. Mature leaves decay rapidly during the cool season. Still or slow moving shallow waters in lakes, ponds, streams, canals, and ditches. San Joaquin Valley.