How to identify Chinese water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis)
Chinese water chestnut appears as a grass-like perennial with smooth, leafless, cylindrical stems reaching heights of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm). During the summer, small flower spikes crown the tops of these stems. This plant thrives in saturated soils or shallow water environments, fully exposed to sunlight. In colder seasons, it retreats to its underground tubers, re-emerging in warmer conditions. It features a system of runners for moderate spread. The subterranean parts develop into rounded, edible corms with a crisp white interior.
Lifespan: Perennial, Annual
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Smooth, cylindrical stems reach 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in height.
Small flower spikes crown the tops of stems in summer.
Subterranean parts develop rounded, edible corms with crisp white interior.
Fruit is drop-shaped, creamy white, and firm to the touch.
Greyish-green culms are erect, hollow, and do not branch.
The flowers of chinese water chestnut form clustered, cylindrical spikelets that are straw-colored, measuring approximately 0.24 to 0.49 inches (0.6 to 1.25 cm) in length. These spikelets are composed of tightly packed scales rather than petals, giving the flowers a compact and spike-like appearance. There is no noticeable scent associated with these flowers. Blooming typically occurs in moist, swampy environments. The subtle, straw coloration serves as a gentle identifier amidst green foliage.
The stem of chinese water chestnut is an erect, grayish-green culm that is cylindric, smooth, and hollow in the middle. It stands between 15-60 cm (6-24 inches) tall. The texture is smooth, and the color can be identified as a grayish-green hue. The stem does not branch, maintaining a consistent cylindrical shape throughout its length. This unique, hollow structure allows it to efficiently perform photosynthesis in the absence of leaves.
The fruit of chinese water chestnut is characterized by its distinctive drop-shaped to broadly drop-shaped form, resembling a tear or a bead of water. The fruit, upon maturation, reveals a creamy or white hue. Texturally, it is firm to the touch, housing the plant's seed in a protective outer layer. Typically, the size of the fruit is congruent with the diminutive stature of chinese water chestnut, modest yet notable upon close examination. This unique fruit encapsulates the botanical essence of chinese water chestnut, serving as both a reproductive vessel and an intriguing natural specimen.
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Scientific Classification of Chinese water chestnut
