Water hyacinth
A tropical plant. In Nepal it grows from 200-1500 m altitude. In Indonesia it grows up to 1,600 m above sea level. It grows in moist and boggy areas. It grows in pools and rice fields in S China between 200-500 m altitude. It grows in quiet or slow moving water. It grows in wetlands. Rapid growth occurs in nutrient rich water. It grows to latitudes of 40°. It needs plenty of sunlight. It is damaged by frost. In Argentina it grows up to 1,600 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 10-12. In Yunnan.
Also known as:
Aguapey, beda-pin, Bunga jamban, Camalote, Fen oakidu, Feng yan lan, Gachili, Jacinta de agua, Jasintandrano, Kam ploek, Lirio de agua, Luc binh, Meteka, Muxie, Pabuduo, Pak-top-chawa, Phak katok, Phak paud, Phak tob
Synonyms
- Eichhornia speciosa Kunth
- Heteranthera formosa Miquel
- Pontederia crassipes Martius
Edible Portion
- Leaves, Flowers, Vegetable, Leaf stalks, Ash - salt
Where does Water hyacinth grow?
Found in: Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Central America, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ethiopia, Fiji, Guam, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Jamaica, Korea, Laos, Madagascar, Maldives, Marquesas, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Norfolk Island, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South America, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Uruguay, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Notes: There are 7-9 Eichhornia species. They are mainly in tropical America. It becomes a major weed problem in tropical lakes, lagoons and rivers. It can be very invasive.
Status: Leaves are sold in local markets.
Growing Water hyacinth
Cultivation: Plants grow easily from offshoots of the plant. They need a temperature above 15°C and 30-40 cm deep water.
Edible Uses: The leaf stalks are used to sour soups. The tender buds are cooked as a vegetable. The flowers are used to prepare snacks. CAUTION: The plant can cause itching. This is partly removed by cooking.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaves/Stems | 30 | 0.5 | - | - | - | - | 89.8 |
Water hyacinth Photos
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