Hydrilla, Water thyme
Hydrilla verticillata

Family: Hydrocharitaceae

What it is like

A plant which grows under water. The stem is much branched. It is 15-30 cm long. The leaves are carried in rings. They are light green and sword shaped. They are 1-2 cm long by 0.2-0.5 cm wide. The leaves have fine teeth along the edge. These teeth allow light through. The leaves can have reddish-brown dashes. It develops white corms on the stolons in the soil.

There is only one Hydrilla species. It is used in aquaria and eaten by fish. It can be invasive. It is high in Vitamin B12.

Where it is found

It grows in warmer places in slow moving streams and lakes. It can grow in water 3-5 m deep. It is used as an aquarium plant. In Pakistan it grows to 2,000 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Central America, Central Asia, Europe, Fiji, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

It mostly grows from stem fragments and stem tubers.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Hydrilla ovalifolia Rich.; Hydrilla polysperma Blatter; Serpicula verticillata Linn. f.; Vallisneria verticillata Roxb.;