Pistia stratiotes

Roots to 50 cm, with short branches. Leaves light green to grayish green, 2–15(–20) cm, spongy, pubescence dense, white; major veins 5–13(–15), nearly parallel, abaxially prominent. Inflorescences: spathe white to pale green, convolute basally, slightly constricted above middle, spreading apically, pwhite to pale green, pubescent outside, glabrous inside; spadix adnate to spathe more than 1/2 its length, shorter than spathe; axis naked at base of staminate part and sometimes extending beyond staminate flowers. Flowers: staminate flowers (2–)6–8, in single whorl around central stalk, stamens 2, connate; pistillate flower solitary; ovariesy 1-locular, 4–5 mm; ovules 4–15(–20), orthotropous; styles ca. 3 mm; stigmas obtuse, with small hairs. ; staminate flowers (2–)6–8, in single whorl around central stalk; stamens 2, connate. Fruits with thin pericarp. Seeds light brown, cylindric, 2 × 1 mm. 2n = 28 (India, Borneo).

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Pistia Stratiotes

Pistia stratiotes

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