Limnocharis

Description

Limnocharis is a genus of aquatic plants that belong to the family Alismataceae. They are commonly known as the mud plantain or sawah lettuce. The plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Limnocharis plants have elongated, oval-shaped leaves that grow on long stalks above the water. The leaves are green and glossy, with prominent veins that are parallel to the midrib. The plant produces yellow flowers that grow on a tall stem above the leaves. The flowers have five petals and a central disk, and they bloom in the summer and fall.

Care Guide

Limnocharis plants require a lot of water to thrive, and they should be grown in a pond or other aquatic environment. They prefer full sun to partial shade and should be fertilized regularly to encourage healthy growth. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, but it prefers a sandy or loamy soil. Limnocharis is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Limnocharis plants are generally pest and disease-free, but they can be susceptible to root rot if they are grown in water that is too deep or stagnant. To prevent this, make sure the plant is grown in shallow water that is constantly moving.

Habitat

Limnocharis plants are native to wetlands, swamps, and other aquatic environments in tropical and subtropical regions. They can be found growing in Asia, Africa, and Australia, where they are used as a food source and in traditional medicine.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Limnocharis be grown in a container?

A: Yes, Limnocharis can be grown in a container as long as it is kept in water that is at least 6 inches deep.

Q: How often should Limnocharis be fertilized?

A: Limnocharis should be fertilized every four to six weeks during the growing season.

Q: Is Limnocharis toxic to pets?

A: There is no evidence that Limnocharis is toxic to pets, but it is always a good idea to keep pets away from plants they are not familiar with.

Q: Can Limnocharis be grown in a bog garden?

A: Yes, Limnocharis can be grown in a bog garden as long as the soil is kept consistently moist.

Related Plants

• Alisma plantago-aquatica
• Sagittaria latifolia
• Hydrocotyle verticillata
• Nymphoides hydrophylla

References

• “Limnocharis Flava.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d332.
• “Limnocharis Flava.” Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk, www.hear.org/pier/species/limnocharis_flava.htm.
• “Limnocharis Flava (L.) Buchenau.” The Plant List, www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-315248.