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water snowflake

Scientific Name: Nymphoides indica

Family: Menyanthaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Nymphoides: Floating Hearts and Water Snowflakes

Nymphoides, commonly known as floating hearts or water snowflakes, is a genus of aquatic flowering plants appreciated for their resemblance to water lilies.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some Nymphoides species, like the "banana plant" (N. aquatica) and "water snowflake" (N. indica), are sold as aquarium plants and are commonly grown in home aquariums.
  • Nymphoides can spread across a pond, potentially creating a dense surface cover.

Considerations for Children

  • Nymphoides can spread across a pond, potentially creating a dense surface cover.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Nymphoides
  • Family: Menyanthaceae
  • The genus name Nymphoides refers to the plant's resemblance to the water lily genus Nymphaea.
  • Synonyms: Nymphoides indica may also be referred to as Nymphoides humboldtiana.

Common Names

  • Floating heart
  • Water snowflake
  • Banana plant (specifically for N. aquatica)
  • Regional names:
    • Hindi: ???????? (Kumudini)
    • Manipuri: ??? ??? (Tharo macha)
    • Tamil: ?????????? (Chinnambal)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to tropical Asia (specifically mentioned for Nymphoides hydrophylla).
  • Found in freshwater wetlands of the tropical Old World and Australia.
  • Reported from various regions including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Estonia, Guinea-Bissau, India (Andaman Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh).
  • Often found in stationary to slow-moving water bodies.
  • Non-native to Florida.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Aquatic plants with submerged rootstalks and floating leaves.
  • Leaves are often heart-shaped (cordate) and glossy.
  • Flowers can be fringed and snowflake-like, emerging from leaf axils.
  • Reproduces with runners.
  • Can grow stems up to 1.5 meters long from a thick rhizome.
  • Leaves can grow up to 4 inches across.

Ecological Role

  • Can inhibit photosynthesis of indigenous plants by spreading on the water surface and preventing sunlight from reaching them.