Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

186
Menyanthaceae
Nymphoides cristata (Roxb.) O.Ktze.
(Syn: Menyanthes cristata Roxb.)
English name: Crested floating heart, white snow flake.
Local name:
Description:
An annual hydrophytic herb with large floating stem and heart-shaped smooth and
rounded broad leaves, rooting at the nodes. Flowers white. Reproduces by seeds
and by vegetative means.
Flowering Period:
March to June.
Habitat:
Found in lakes, stagnant water, ponds and marshy
areas.
Uses:
The plant is used as a substitute for Chiretta in fevers
and jaundice. Stalks and leaves are pounded with
oil and applied to ulcers and insect bites and a
decoction is used as a wash for parasitic skin
affections. Seeds are considered anthelmintic.
Distribution:
Pakistan, India, Malaya and China.