Rank Species | Genus Heteranthera Higher classification Heteranthera | |
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Similar Heteranthera, Pontederiaceae, Heteranthera reniformis, Heteranthera dubia, Ammannia coccinea | ||
The aquatic plant Heteranthera limosa is a member of the water hyacinth family known by the common names ducksalad and blue mudplantain. It is considered a threatened species in parts of the central United States, and an invasive species weed in California, where it is a nuisance in rice paddies. It is also occasional in Florida waterways.
Description
The plant grows either in water or on moist ground. The plant has thick, spade-shaped green leaves that may be above or below the water surface. Its blue or purple flowers have six narrow petals. These petals may be ground into a paste that is similar to aloe vera, soothing to wounds and burns. The paste does however have a mild neurotoxicity in large quantities that is negligible in small wound applications.
