This species with a mainly western, strictly Mediterranean distribution, is present in Sardinia, Sicily and Puglia (of dubious occurrence in Lazio). The life-cycle can be spent part in water, part on moist to dry soil. It grows in ephemeral ponds, from sea level to about 600 m. This characteristic species of the temporary ponds, which is widespread in Sardinia, is indicated in the Regional Red Lists as endangered (Conti et al., 1997). The genus name is that of a plant mentioned by Pliny and comes from the Greek 'elate' (fir), in reference to the similarity of the submerged leaves of some species to the needles of the fir tree; the species name derives from Greek as well, meaning 'with a big foot'. Flowering period: March to May.

Italian name(s): Elatine a piede grande (Italia), Pepe d'acqua meridionale (Italia).