Centrostachys aquatica
(R. Br.) Wallich ex Moq.
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Wikimedia Commons - drawing: Govindoo
wikimedia· cc0
Wikimedia Commons - Endlicher, Stephan
Description
A herb that grows in water. The stems have grooves. The leaves are thin and opposite. They are diamond shaped. They are red above and purple underneath. They taper at the base to a short leaf stalk. The flowers are in small spikes at the tips. The spikes emerge above the water and are white and hairy.
Edible Uses
The leaves are edible.
Medicinal Uses
The plant is used as medicine.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows in water. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Where It Grows
Africa, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central Africa, China, Congo DR, East Africa, Ethiopia, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Laos, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pacific, Philippines, Russia, SE Asia, Senegal, Siberia, Sri Lanka, South Sudan, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tibet, Uganda, USA, Vietnam, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Cultivation
It can be grown from stem cuttings.
Notes
It is used as medicine.
Synonyms
References (5)
- A. L. P. P. de Candolle, Prodr. 13(2):321. 1849 (As (R. Br.) Moq.)
- Dansi, A., et al, 2008, Traditional leafy vegetables and their use in the Benin Republic. Genet Resour Crop Evol (2008) 55:1239–1256
- Dansi, A., et al, 2009, Traditional leafy vegetables in Benin: folk nomenclature, species under threat and domestication. Acta Bot. Gallica 156(2), 183-199
- Staples, G.W. and Herbst, D.R., 2005, A tropical Garden Flora. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. p 103
- Zon, A.P.M. van der, Grubben, G.J.H., 1976, Les legumes-feuilles spontanes et cultives du Sud-Dahomey, Communication 65, Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, p 46
