Heteranthera limosa
| Heteranthera limosa | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Heteranthera limosa | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Commelinales |
| Family: | Pontederiaceae |
| Genus: | Heteranthera |
| Species: | H. limosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Heteranthera limosa (Sw.) Willd. | |
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.