White water snowflake, Floating heart, Fairy water-lily
Nymphoides cristata

Family: Menyanthaceae

What it is like

A water-lily like plant. It grows under water. It can be free floating. The leaves are oval or heart shaped and 8-15 cm across. The gap in the leaves is V shaped. The leaf stalk is short and sheaths the base. The leaves float. They are green but mottled red. The flowers emerge above the water. The flowers are white. They have 5 petals and are 2 cm across. The edges of the flowers are wavy. The centre is yellow.

There are about 30 Nymphoides species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows under water in standing water. It needs full sun. They grow in warm places. It suits hardiness zones 8-12. In Sichuan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand

How it is used for food

The stems, roots, buds and leaves are eaten either boiled or curried. The plant is boiled and softer parts eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, buds, stems

How it is grown

Plants can be grown in shallow water over nutrient-rich soils. The seeds need to be kept dry for a few months before planting.

Its other names

Local names

Alli gadda, Antara tamara, Anthara thamara, Chandmalla, Cumuda, Ghainchu, Hime-gagatuba, Khatara, Khatara, Kolare chikal, Kumu, Kumudini, Kumukhatara, Marang chatom ara ba, Nodel ampel, Paktubtao, Panchuli, Silver lotus, Tagarmul

Synonyms

Limnanthemum cristatum (Roxburgh) Grisebach; Menyanthes cristata Roxb.; Villarsia cristata (Roxb.) Spreng.;