Caltrop, Water chestnut
Trapa natans var. bispinosa

Family: Lythraceae

What it is like

A herb which grows in water. The stems curve upwards. The leaves float. They are in rings close together often with 3 lobes and joined by one of the shorter sides. They are more broad than long. The leaves under the water are like long threads. The stalk is spongy. The flowers are white and occur singly. The fruit is a nut which is angled. There is a short beak at the tip. There is a sharp spiny horn on either side.

It is also put in the family Trapaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Nepal plants grow up to about 600 m altitude. It grows near Mumbai and Chenai. It grows in lakes and rivers. It grows in wetlands. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Botswana, Central Africa, China, East Africa, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, Himalayas, India, Iran, Japan, Malawi, Malaysia, Middle East, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, South Africa - Natal, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Taiwan, Tanzania, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The seed leaf is fleshy, white and rich in starch. It is eaten. The seeds are cooked and eaten. They are also eaten raw. They are sometimes cooked and eaten with rice. The fruit are eaten raw and also canned and eaten as a dessert fruit.

It is an important food in some regions.

Edible parts

Seeds, nuts, fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds or rhizomes.

In Manipur in India the seeds are available July to Spetember.

Its other names

Local names

Bor singori, Daa jo, Hara-nut, Jalaphala, Karimpolam, Keikak, Kubyakama, Kywe-baung, Paniphal, Pani singari, Shingada, Shingara, Shingori, Shringata, Singada, Singera, Singhara-nut, Singhara, Singra kaita, Sringataka, Trikonaphalam, Yelli

Synonyms

Trapa bispinosa Roxb.;