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Water chestnut
Also known as: Horn nut, Water caltrop
Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is an annual aquatic plant indigenous to parts of Asia and Europe, where it grows in slow-moving water. Commonly called water chestnut, this plant has been cultivated for its seeds for more than 3,000 years in China and South Asia.
Scientific classification
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Perennial, Annual
Lifespan
2.5 m to 5 m
Spread
Green, Red
Leaf Color
2.5 cm
Flower Size
Brown, Black
Fruit Color
White
Flower Color
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Water chestnut

Distribution of Water chestnut

Distribution Map
Water chestnut is a plant with an extensive native range, primarily found across various regions in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It has been introduced and cultivated in diverse climates, marking its presence on multiple continents. While being cultivated and valued in certain areas, water chestnut is sometimes thought to be invasive elsewhere, potentially impacting local ecosystems. Notably, in some parts of Europe and Asia, water chestnut may alter aquatic habitats, but it remains merely cultivated in most of its range without significant ecological disruption.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
In water
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Symbolism
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Weed Control

Water chestnut(Trapa natans) is a fast-growing aquatic plant which is common in Europe and North America. It's primarily known as a food source but can also be classed as a weed as it is known to take over shorelines and affect other species, so it needs to be restricted if the goal is to allow other plants to grow in the same area.
How to Control It
Water chestnut is very difficult to control. The plant spreads by its flowers and seeds easily detaching from the stem and floating downstream and establishing a new location.
To successfully control it, the whole plant must be removed. When being removed (manually, chemically or sometimes mechanically) it's important to consider accidental spread and so should only be carried out by a trained person.
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Care Guide for Water chestnut

Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Garden Soil
Soil Type
Pruning: Water chestnut requires regular pruning from early to late spring to control invasive growth. Remove dead stems to encourage healthy growth and prevent surface obstruction. This practice promotes ecological balance and is supported by horticultural guidelines for optimal maintenance.
Propagation: Water chestnut is propagated by dividing its tubers, which are swollen seed pods. Gently separate the pods, ensuring each has a growth point for successful regeneration. Plant them in a suitable aquatic environment to root and develop into mature plants.
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