Some confusion has surrounded the taxonomic identity of C. albida, which is also referred to as C. costata, C. korthausae or as a subspecies or variety of C. retrospiralis in older texts. However, the species is now regarded as a discrete member of the C. crispatula group, and synonymous with C. costata. The inflorescence bears a short limb (maximum 4 cm) and a tube with a creamy interior (albida means whitish), and generally, the leaves are narrowly lanceolate (up to 30 cm long and 2 cm wide but usually less) with smooth (but sometimes undulated) margins and green to reddish brown in colour. Immersed specimens have a distinctive, stiff habit.

Found in Thailand and Burma, C. albida grows naturally in both slow rivers and even rapids and waterfalls on a substrate of sand and coarse gravel. They appear to tolerate both shady and highly exposed areas, and are well adapted to seasonal fluctuations in water levels. Like others in its group, C. albida thrives in moderately hard water but remains low enough for use in the foreground of large tanks or the midground of smaller setups. A stable environment without sudden changes in temperature and water chemistry is needed before the plant establishes itself. Good water circulation to enhance gas exchange and nutrient uptake may also help simulate its preferred habitats.