Caltrops, Jesuit Nut, Water Caltrops
Trapa natans

Family: Lythraceae

What it is like

An annual plant which grows in water. It can be 60-75 cm across. The leaves occur in rosettes. They are diamond shaped. The leaves have shiny pale green surfaces. The veins are easy to see. There are teeth around the edge. The leaf stalks are fleshy and spongy. They are 4-20 cm long. The fruit are heart-shaped and brown. It is a soft, juicy, fleshy receptacle.

The plant is prohibited in the USA. Also put in the family Trapaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in warm, still water. It grows in wetlands. In China it grows from sea level to 2,700 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 5-8.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Albania, Algeria, Asia, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, China, Czech Republic, East Africa, Europe, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nigeria, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, SE Asia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine, USA, Vietnam, West Africa, Yugoslavia

How it is used for food

The seed kernels can be eaten raw, roasted or boiled. They can be fried like a vegetable or preserved in honey and sugar. They can be candied or ground into flour for bread and puddings.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. It can be a staple food. Fruit are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Seeds, kernel, nuts, vegetable, leaf stalk

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh fruit.

It bears in 1 year. In NE India fruit are available in November to December.

Its other names

Local names

Dyavolski oreh, Ekota, European water chestnut, Heikak, Heikak yeli, Horn nut, Inyiwa, Ling-chio, Mak ka chap, Niu tou ma, Njefu, Paniphal, Pani singada, Pemak-pe, Rasac, Saligot, Shinghada, Sojom, Sugreng, Sukestanesi, Sulyom, Vodni orešek

Synonyms

Trapa quadrispinosa Roxb.; Many