Waterblommetjie+and+Waterblommetjiebredie

The Waterblommetjie is an aquatic flowering plant native to the Western Coast of South Africa. The plant floats on a round leaf on the surface of the water it inhabits, with two branches shaped in the form of a "Y" that hold the flowers above. It thrives in ponds and lakes and hibernates during the dry seasons in summer. In order to grow, the plant requires at least some sunlight and an aquatic environment with a depth of at least 18 inches. The waterblommetjie is widely known for its scent and use in the recipe for Waterblommetjiebredie.

Waterblommetjiebredie is a type of stew that is a local delicacy in the Western Cape of South Africa. The stew is described as tasting similar to green beans. The main ingredients include the flowers of a waterblommetjie, lamb or another meat substitute, onions, and potatoes. The meal was first made by the Khoikhoi people; their people found the waterblommetjie plant to usually be fully grown by the time winter started and the discovery gave them a stable food supply for the colder, harsher months. When early settlers arrived in the cape, the Khoikhoi taught them how to prepare the dish not only for regular consumption, but how it can be used as a medicine as well.