In 1957 H.W. Schott discovered this plant in two locations in India but it was not until 150 years later, 1989 to 1992, that Yadav, Patil and Dixit rediscovered it in the Ratnagiri district (the former 'Konkan') of India. The flower is only half above the soil line when it develops, it makes a fine aquarium plant but has not been observed to make runners thus far.
Literature:
Beest, M. te, 1998. A taxonomic study of the genus Cryptocoryne (Araceae) of South India. University of Calicut.
Patil,K.S., S.R.Yadav, G.B.Dixit & J.Bogner, 1992. Eine lang verschollene Cryptocoryne aus Indien: Cryptocoryne cognata Schott (Araceae). Aqua-Planta 2-92 : 59-65.
Schott, H.W., 1857. Cryptocorynenskizze. Bonplandia 5(14): 219-223.
Wit, H.C.D.de, 1960. Het genus Cryptocoryne 12, Cryptocoryne cognata Schott, Cryptocoryne cognatoides Blatter & McCann. Het Aquarium 31(2): 31-32.
Wijngaarden, P. van, 2004. Cryptocoryne cognata Schott. Aqua Planta 29(3): 98-107.
Wit, H.C.D.de, 1990. Aquarienpflanzen, 2. Auflage. Ulmer, Stuttgart.