Common name: Oval-leaf pondweed. Tamil name: Karu-n-kuvalai.
Oval-leaf pondweed is a fresh water aquatic plant belonging to the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia, it grows to around 15 cm in length. It is seen around shallow water bodies from coast areas to the high hills in Western Ghats area. It has a creeping tendency and spreads around quickly in shallow water bodies and marshy areas. The roots are rhizomatous. The disappears during the harsh summer season and regrows during the monsoon. The entire plant is succulent, glabrous with shiny green leafs. The leafs are oval with a cordate base and an acute tip. The petiole are long and hollow. The leaf shape and size may vary: between 5-8 cm in length.The inflorescence is in the form of a terminal spike consisting of many flowers. The flower are purple/ white. Flower consists of 6 tepals, and are bisexual and tubular. The flower encloses 6 stamens. The fruit is in the form of a dehiscent capsule. The seeds are winged. Pontederia hastate is a similar plant but has hastate leaf shape (arrow shaped). The Pontederia genus consists of around 10 species they are mostly of Tropical/ sub-tropical American origin. They are fresh water aquatic plants, have creeping rhizomatic roots, and are succulent. The inflorescence is in the form of a spike and fruit is a capsule containing winged seeds. Oval-leaf pondweed colonizes marshy areas through vegetative and sexual reproduction. Often considered as an invasive weed in many parts of the world. The plant has several medicinal applications and all parts of the plant are considered edible. It also has excellent ornamental potential.
