Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, also known as the four-leaf waterwheel plant, is a perennial aquatic herb that grows in lakes, ponds, and slow moving streams. It has been called the "queen of the lotus" because its leaves are arranged in a distinctive four-leaf rosette. The leaves grow from a thick, creeping rhizome and are usually about 2 inches long.
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is native to Asia but it can be found in many other countries. In Europe, the plant is very rare and is protected by law. In North America, the plant is common and widespread and may be found in almost any pond or lake. The leaves of R. tetrasperma are arranged in a circular pattern on the top of the stem. They are covered with small hairs and have tiny spines along their edges. The underside of each leaf is smooth. Each leaf grows from a thick creeping root that spreads out from the base of the plant.