SafePlants

Najas graminea: Ricefield Water-nymph

Najas graminea, commonly known as Ricefield Water-nymph, is an aquatic plant found in freshwater habitats.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is found in ponds and slow moving water where pets might be able to access.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Najas graminea Delile
• Common Names: Ricefield Water-nymph, Grass Leaved Water Nymph, Slender Waternymph, Slender Water Nymph
• Family: Hydrocharitaceae (frog’s bit, tape-grass, waternymphs)
• Genus: Najas L. (waternymph)
• Synonym: Caulinia graminea (Delile) Tzvelev
• Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Najas graminea is found across Africa, temperate and tropical Asia, and northern Australia.
• It is also found in Australia, New Caledonia, and North Africa.
• The plant is introduced in Europe and not native to California.
• It thrives in freshwater habitats, particularly still or slow-moving waters like ponds.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Najas graminea is an annual herb, growing up to 0.2 meters (approximately 8 inches) tall.
• It is described as a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• It is a monocot.
• It flowers from July to September, with seeds ripening during the same period.
• The plant is described as very slender.

Ecological Role

• The plant can be found in rice stalks.

Additional Information

• Hardy to zone (UK) 8.
• U.S. name: ricefield waternymph.
• Italian name: Ranocchina tropicale.
• Chinese name: cao ci zao.
• Japanese name: hossumo.

Resources

• Discover Life: Biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution information.
• CalPhotos: Image resource.
• AQUAPAGE.eu: Information on aquarium plants.
• PFAF Plant Database: Information on Najas Graminea Ricefield Waternymph.