Scientific name
Hydrocotyle L.
Common names
pennywort
Family
Apiaceae
Could be confused with
Native distribution
Species commonly cultivated
Hydrocotyle leucocephala Cham.& Schltdl. (Central and South America)
H. ranunculoides L. f. (America)
H. sibthorpioides Lam. (Asia)
H. verticillata Thunb. (America)
H. vulgaris L. (Europe, Africa, Middle East)
Adventive distribution
Hydrocotyle ranunculoides is introduced in Australia and Europe, while H. sibthorpioides is introduced in the United States.
Weed status
Some terrestrial species of Hydrocotyle are considered serious weeds in disturbed areas in several countries. Hydrocotyle ranunculoides is an aquatic weed in the United Kingdom.
Habit
amphibious, creeping stoloniferous plant
Brief description
Perennial. Stems floating or creeping, rooted at nodes, stoloniferous. Leaves produced at most nodes, usually floating or emergent, sometimes submersed, on elongate petiole, stipules present; leaf blade peltate, orbicular to reniform; margin entire or lobed. Inflorescence an axillary umbel, rarely a spike. Flowers small and inconspicuous. Dispersal by seed or stem fragments.
Natural habitat
shallow waters of rivers and lakes, wet littoral zone, and wet ground
Additional comments
a large genus of at least 75 species worldwide, of which only 5 are aquatic or amphibious
