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Water lettuce

How to identify Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)

Water lettuce, also known as Water cabbage, Shellflower

Water lettuce is a unique aquatic plant with a distinctive growth pattern, characterized by its presence on the water surface like a floatation device. Its foliage forms a dense rosette pattern, with leaves that are equipped with thick, spongy tissue and prominent, deeply etched veins, providing an easily recognizable texture. Individual leaves can fan out to about 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter, and the entire rosette can reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) across. Hanging beneath these rosettes, the plant displays a set of feathery roots, which are visually striking as they dangle freely into the water. These roots can extend several inches below the water's surface, further enhancing water lettuce's distinct profile in its aquatic habitat.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Water lettuce

1

Aquatic growth pattern on water surface like a floatation device.

2

Rosette foliage with thick, spongy leaves and deeply etched veins.

3

Feathery roots dangling freely below rosettes into the water.

4

Inconspicuous greenish or pale yellow flowers with no petals.

5

Small, spongy green fruits less than 0.2 inches (5 mm) in size.

Water lettuceWater lettuceWater lettuceWater lettuceWater lettuce

Detailed Traits of Water lettuce

Leaf Features

The leaves of water lettuce form a rosette pattern about 10 inches (25 cm) wide. They are spongy and velvety to the touch, with deeply veined surfaces. The lime green upper side contrasts with the whitish green underside. Each leaf displays a prominent vein pattern that runs from the base to the edges, granting them an almost wrinkled appearance. These characteristics create a distinctive velvety texture that is easy to recognize.

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Flower Features

Water lettuce features small, inconspicuous flowers nestled at the center of its leaf rosettes. The flowers are typically greenish or pale yellow. Male flowers form a ring around a solitary female flower, which is subtly distinguished by a slightly larger size and a small, tubular structure. These flowers lack petals and are generally less than 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in size. The blossoms do not emit a noticeable scent and bloom periodically throughout the year.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of water lettuce is understated and often overlooked. These fruits are green, bearing a close resemblance to the color of the plant's foliage, which allows for a degree of camouflage. They are small, enclosed in a bladder-like structure, and typically less than 0.2 inches (5 mm) in size. Texturally, the fruits are somewhat spongy and contain numerous tiny seeds. As these fruits mature, they may adopt a more brownish hue before dehiscing and releasing their seed cargo. They are specially adapted for a life spent partially submerged in aquatic environments.

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Key Facts About Water lettuce

Attributes of Water lettuce
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
8 cm to 15 cm
Spread
15 cm to 45 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Gray
Silver
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Green
Fruit Color
Green
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Scientific Classification of Water lettuce

Family
Arum
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Genus
Pistia
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Species
Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
Learn More About the Water lettuce

Distribution Map of Water lettuce

Water lettuce is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions on several continents. Native to parts of Africa, Asia, and South and Central America, its presence is established through a combination of natural prevalence and human cultivation. Water lettuce has been introduced to Europe, Asia, and the island nations, where it has adapted to various environments. Although it is cultivated, in certain areas water lettuce is sometimes thought to be invasive, potentially affecting ecosystems by altering habitats and competing with local flora. However, its actual impact can vary widely, and it is not universally regarded as a disruptive species.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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