Pistia stratiotes (Araceae)
LEAVES sessile in a rosette, 1-5 in. long, 1-2 in. broad, cuneate-oblong or cuneate-obovate, notched or entire at the broadly rounded or subtruncate apex, more or less pubescent on both surfaces, tomentose with long matted hairs at the base. INFLORESCENCE: Spathe 31/2-5 lin. long, more or less hairy or villous outside, glabrous within, pale green; limb ovate, subobtuse, with a broad white ciliolate margin. Ovary pale green, pubescent. Neuter organs frill-like, pale green. Anthers dirty white.
Widely distributed in the warmer regions of both hemispheres.
Tropical wetlands; floating aquatic in open, tranquil, freshwater habitats.
The plants are cultivated for animal feed and are used to treat swelling and urinary tract infections.
This material was reprinted with permission from the Missouri Botanical Garden Press, St. Louis, and Science Press, Beijing.