Edible: Leaves, Pods, Leaf stalk, Stem, Vegetable
A plant which grows in water. It has stalks which lie along the ground and also ones which stick upwards. The stems are up to 1.5 m long. The floating parts have spongy white balls around each internode. These only develop when plants grow in water. From each internode roots extend downwards and leaves extend upwards. The leaves are 3.5-8 cm long with 2-3 pairs of leaflet stalks. Along these are 8-18 pairs of leaflets. These are 4-10 mm long by 1.2-3 mm wide. They are dark green. The flowers are yellow and in round heads. They are 1.5 cm long. The flower stalk is 12-30 cm long. The fruit is a pod. It is oblong and flat. It is 2 cm long by 1 cm wide. There are 4-8 seeds. These are 4-5 mm long by 2.5-3.5 mm wide.
It is a tropical plant. It floats in ditches and ponds. It grows in wetlands.
Common Names: Akar keman hantu, Bong sung, Caruru de agua, Dumjong, Esing ekaithabi, Ekaithabi, Ikaithabi, Ikathepi, Ishing Ikaithibi, Kangkong puteri, Kanhchhaet, Keman ayer, Keman gajah, Kemon, Koman, Komen, Lajalu, Lilinji, Malu-malu, Neeru thalavapu, Nerrendim, Nguc, Nidrayam, Niru talvapu, Nittitoddavaddi, Pak kachet, Pak krchednaam, Panilajkuli, Pani-najak, Panilajak, Panilajuk, Phak kased naam, Phak krachet, Rau nhut, Sadai, Sundaikkirai, Sunday keera, Tusoyo
Synonms:
Desmanthus natans Willd.;
Mimosa prostrata Lam.;
Neptunia prostrata (Lam.) Baill.;
and others