Water starwort
Callitriche palustris

Family: Plantaginaceae

What it is like

A herb. It has a ring of leaves. It grows 25 cm high. The stem is branched and the leaves do not have stalks. They are broadly oval and 5-15 mm long by 2-4 mm wide. The lower leaves are narrow. The flowers are in the axils of leaves and occur as 1 or 2 together. The fruit is dry and splits apart on ripening.

There are 25-75 Callitriche species. They are mostly in temperate regions or very high altitudes in the tropics. Also put in the family Callitrichaceae. There is only one genus in the family Callitrichaceae.

Where it is found

It suits cold and temperate climates. They usually grow in water. They are very sensitive to pollution. They need clear slow moving water. They can survive under ice.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Britain, Central Asia, China, Europe (country/location of origin), Himalayas, India, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Mongolia, Nepal, North America, Pakistan, Russia, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tibet, USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by division.

Its other names

Local names

Ghulam rasool sarwar

Synonyms

Callitriche verna L.;