SafePlants

Mexican Mudplantain (Heteranthera mexicana)

Heteranthera mexicana, commonly known as Mexican Mudplantain, is an aquatic plant belonging to the water hyacinth family.

Considerations for Pets

• As an aquatic plant often found near rivers and swamps, it's worth noting that any plant material ingested by pets could pose a choking hazard, especially for smaller animals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Heteranthera mexicana S. Watson
• Common Names: Mexican Mudplantain
• Genus: Heteranthera Ruiz &amp Pav.
• Family: Pontederiaceae (Water Hyacinth Family or Pickerelweed Family)
• Synonym: Eurystemon mexicanus (S. Wats.) Alexander
• Other Heteranthera species mentioned: Heteranthera limosa, Heteranthera reniformis, Heteranthera multiflora, Heteranthera dubia, Heteranthera callifolia

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the central United States south to Mexico and as far south as Argentina.
• Specifically mentioned locations include Texas (TX), Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America.
• Found in rivers, swamps, wet clayey soils of resacas, ephemeral wetlands, and along margins of playas.

Ecological Role

• The plant is noted as an invasive aquatic weed in New Zealand, India, and China.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
• It has orchid-like blossoms that can be either white or blue.

Additional Information

• Protected by Mexican law, indicating its rarity in certain regions.
• Historically, kidney leaf mud plantain has been used as a forage crop in Australia, Venezuela, Mexico, and Cuba for cattle.

Resources

• Discover Life: Provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Heteranthera mexicana.
• Flora of North America: Information available in Vol. 26, 2002, edited by N. Morin.
• Dave's Garden: A community sharing tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.