SafePlants

Limnocharis flava: The Yellow Velvetleaf

Limnocharis flava, commonly known as Yellow Velvetleaf, Yellow Sawah Lettuce, or Yellow Burr Head, is an aquatic flowering plant gaining attention for its diverse uses and potential ecological impact.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is often found in aquatic environments and has been considered for use in lead remediation.

Considerations for Children

• Limnocharis flava is sometimes consumed as a nutritious vegetable.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau
• Family: The text doesn't provide the plant family.
• Synonyms: There are no explicit synonyms provided, but the name is sometimes written as Limnocharis flava L. Buchenau.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Mexico and Central America.
• Also found in Southeast Asia.
• Grows in shallow, stagnant fresh water and swampy areas.

Ecological Role

• Can be invasive in rice fields.
• Considered one of the world's worst cropping weeds.

Morphological Characteristics

• Flowers have five petals, typically yellow to orange-yellow.

Quirky Facts

• In Taiwan, Yellow Velvetleaf (&#40643&#33457&#34298) is considered not only a pretty aquatic plant, but also a nutritious vegetable.
• In Bandung, Indonesia, fried Yellow Velvetleaf is a typical dish.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Damselflies (Ischnura spp.) can be found on Limnocharis flava.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Yellow Velvetleaf.

Abutilon theophrasti: Another Plant Known as Velvetleaf

Note: The text also refers to another plant called "Velvetleaf", with the scientific name Abutilon theophrasti. This is a different plant from Limnocharis flava and has distinct characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Abutilon theophrasti can be found in fodder beet crops.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Abutilon theophrasti
• Family: Mallow family (Malvaceae)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Eurasia and introduced to North America.

Ecological Role

• Velvetleaf is considered a serious cropping pest.

Morphological Characteristics

• Grows 3 to 8 feet tall.
• Tap-rooted annual.
• Flowers are yellow to yellow-orange, about 3/4 inch wide with 5 petals.

Wissadula amplissima: The Big Yellow Velvetleaf

Note: The text also refers to another plant called "Big Yellow Velvetleaf", with the scientific name Wissadula amplissima. This is a different plant from both Limnocharis flava and Abutilon theophrasti and has distinct characteristics.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Wissadula amplissima (L.) R.E. Fries
• Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)