Yellow velvetleaf
Limnocharis flava

Family: Alismataceae

What it is like

A herb which grows in water. The leaves form tufts. They are oval and 15-18 cm long by 12 cm wide. The leaf stalk is angular and 30 cm long. The flower head in at the end of the shoot and has a long flower stalk. There is a sheath like a membrane near the base. There are 5-10 flowers together. They are yellow.

There are 2 Limnocharis species in tropical America. Also put in the family Limnocharitaceae. It probably has anti-cancer properties.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in wet places in tropical countries. It grows in swamps. It is found in ditches and rice fields. It needs water less than 15-20 cm deep. It is best in full sun. In Java it grows up to 1,200 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Asia, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Caribbean, Central America, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico (country/location of origin), Myanmar, Nicaragua, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, SE Asia, South America, Sri Lanka, Thailand, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The young leaves and flowers are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are also pickled. The leaf and flower stalks are blanched and steamed.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. They are sold in markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers, leaf stalks, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or by division of the rhizome.

Leaves are available throughout the year.

Its other names

Local names

An mu, Bak kanjong, Bangeng, Bengok, Berek, Bon cheen, Bon-chin, Camalote, Eceng, Emparuk, Etjeng, Gai jiu, Genjer, Genjur, Jinjir, Kaanz choong, Kalanyoe, Kan jong, Keo neo, Nangkwak, Ne thao, Nga-tet-pya, Pak kranjong, Pakpire, Phak kan chong, Phak kanjong, Phak pai, Sawah-flower rush, Sawah-lettuce, Talapat rusee, Talapatrusi, Tet-pya, Trakiet paong, Velvetleaf, Yellow burhead, Yellow sawah lettuce

Synonyms

Alisma flavum L.; Damasonium flavum (L.) Maxim.; Limnocharis emarginata Bonpl.; Limnocharis flava var. indica Buchenau; Limnocharis plumieri Rich.;