Floating heart
Nymphoides hydrophylla

Family: Menyanthaceae

What it is like

A herb which grows in water. The stem forms roots at the nodes. Its roots are fixed in the mud. It grows to 1 m or more tall. The leaves are round and heart shaped and float. They are 1-6 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. The flowers are of two forms. They are white with a yellowish tinge and are in dense clusters. The capsule is half round. The seeds are brown and 1 mm across.

There are about 30 Nymphoides species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in stagnant pools and standing water. It grows in wetlands.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, China, India, Indochina, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The whole plant except the roots is eaten raw or cooked. It is boiled or stir-fried. The mature fruits are eaten raw or cooked.

It is grown commercially.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, stems, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Anemone, Cheruthettambal, Crested floating heart, Neythel, Panikola, Skuen ambahs, Water skin lotus

Synonyms

Menyanthes hydrophyllum Lour.; Limnanthemum hydrophyllum (Lour.) Griseb.;