Nymphoides peltatum is an aquatic plant

Aquatic plant

Aquatic plants are plants that have adapted to living in aquatic environments. They are also referred to as hydrophytes or aquatic macrophytes. These plants require special adaptations for living submerged in water, or at the water's surface. Aquatic plants can only grow in water or in soil that is...

. It has a long creeping stem that floats and connects to the leaf nodes. It is commonly found in ponds and slow moving bodies of water. It cannot grow in the shade and has to have a relatively deep body of water. Flowers bloom in July to September, while the seeds ripen from August to October.

Uses

Nymphoides peltatum an edible plant. Leaves are cooked as a potherb, and so are the stems, but only the interior of the stem is eaten. Flowers are also cooked as potherbs. Seeds are ground and used for other culinary purposes. The fresh leaves are commonly used to treat headaches.

Resources

• Flora of Pakistan