Contents
Description
Hydrocotyle Vulgaris, commonly known as Marsh Pennywort, is an aquatic plant that is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is a perennial plant that grows in shallow water and wetlands. The plant has a creeping stem that can grow up to 50cm in length. It has round leaves with scalloped edges that float on the surface of the water. The plant produces small white flowers that bloom in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Genus | Hydrocotyle |
Appearance
Hydrocotyle Vulgaris has round leaves that measure 1-2cm in diameter. The leaves are bright green and have scalloped edges. The plant produces small white flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are clustered together in umbels that measure 2-3cm in diameter. The plant has a creeping stem that can grow up to 50cm in length. The stem is thin and delicate, and it produces roots at the nodes.
Care Guide
Water: Hydrocotyle Vulgaris requires a lot of water to grow. It should be planted in shallow water or wet soil that is constantly moist.Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilizer, but it can benefit from the addition of compost or organic matter to the soil.Soil: Hydrocotyle Vulgaris prefers soil that is rich in organic matter. It should be planted in a mixture of sand and peat that is kept moist.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It should be planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Hydrocotyle Vulgaris is hardy in zones 6-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hydrocotyle Vulgaris is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, and bacterial leaf spot. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. To prevent these issues, it is important to keep the plant well-watered and to remove any infected leaves or stems as soon as they are noticed.
Habitat
Hydrocotyle Vulgaris is found in shallow water and wetlands throughout Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It grows in both freshwater and brackish water habitats. The plant prefers areas with slow-moving or stagnant water and can often be found growing in ponds, streams, and ditches.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Hydrocotyle Vulgaris a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Hydrocotyle Vulgaris is a relatively easy plant to grow and is a good choice for beginners.Q: Can Hydrocotyle Vulgaris be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Hydrocotyle Vulgaris can be grown in a container as long as it is kept well-watered.Q: How often should Hydrocotyle Vulgaris be fertilized?
A: Hydrocotyle Vulgaris does not require fertilizer, but can benefit from the addition of compost or organic matter to the soil.Q: How often should Hydrocotyle Vulgaris be pruned?
A: Hydrocotyle Vulgaris does not require pruning, but can be trimmed back if it becomes too large.
Related Plants
- Hydrocotyle Sibthorpioides
- Hydrocotyle Verticillata
- Hydrocotyle Tripartita
- Hydrocotyle Leucocephala
References
- “Hydrocotyle Vulgaris.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c789.
- “Marsh Pennywort.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/17484/Hydrocotyle-vulgaris/Details.
- “Marsh Pennywort.” Plantlife, www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/discover-wild-plants-nature/plant-fungi-species/marsh-pennywort.
