Scientific name
Limnocharis Bonpl.
Family
Alismataceae
Similar genera
Eichhornia, Hydrocharis, Hydrocleys, Limnobium, Monochoria, Pontederia
Native distribution
tropical America, Caribbean
Species cultivated
Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau
Adventive distribution
Limnocharis flava is established in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Singapore, with periodic outbreaks in Australia.
Weed status
Limnocharis flava is declared a prohibited weed in several countries.
Brief description
Perennial or annual. Plants floating or rooted and emergent. Leaves in a rosette; petiole thick, triangular in cross-section; leaf blade lanceolate, ovate to suborbicular, venation palmate with prominent mid-vein and numerous cross-veins; base squared, rounded or cordate. Inflorescence a 2-15 flowered umbel on an elongate peduncle yet shorter than the leaves. Sepals 3, green; petals, 3 yellow; stamens numerous. Dispersal by production of numerous seeds.
Natural habitat
shallow waters of lakes, ponds, and rivers
Additional comments
Limnocharis flava is the most commonly traded member of the genus. The other species from Central America, Limnocharis laforestii Duchass. ex Griseb., is not presently cultivated for ponds. It is differentiated from L. flava by the smaller flower size and the narrower leaves. Limnocharis flava is also known as puck-pai, an herb used in cooking in Thailand. Limnocharis was formerly placed in the family Limnocharitaceae.
