Habitat: common throughout the world on the banks of rivers, lakes, streams and in wetlands
Appearance: one to three meters tall, they are easily recognizable from the seed head which looks like a cork fishing float (some say a sausage on a stick). The rhizomes (root stems) spread horizontally beneath the surface.
Uses: its edible roots contain about 47% starch and 11% sugar. These can be eaten raw or cooked over the embers of a fire. The starchy pulp removed from the resulting barbecued root tastes like sweet chestnut. The seed heads can also be used as tinder and insulating material.
