Waterchestnut
Trapa natans var. quadrispinosa

Family: Lythraceae

What it is like

A plant that grows in water. The leaves are triangle shaped and have coarse teeth. They are 2-4 cm long and 3-6 cm wide. They are shiny and dark green above and reddish-purple and hairy underneath. The leaves are in loose rings. They float on the surface of the water. The leaf stalks are under the water and often have large inflated air sacs. The flowers are white. There are 4 petals about 8 mm long. The fruit are shaped like a top and have 2-4 sharp horns.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. In the Himalayas it grows up to 1700 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan

How it is used for food

The seeds are eaten raw or cooked.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

In northeastern India plants flower between July to September and fruit in late summer.

Its other names

Local names

Singhara, Singra, Soru singori

Synonyms

Trapa natans auct. non L.;