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Summary
Physical Characteristics
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Hydrilla verticillata is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to October, and the seeds ripen from June to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Water.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Habitats
Pond;
Edible Uses
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Detergent Miscellany
Used in the treatment of abscesses, boils and wounds, especially if there is debris in the wound[147]. A dried powder of the plant is applied to cuts and wounds to help accelerate healing[272].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Miscellany
The plant is used in sugar refinery[177]. No more details are given.
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
A submerged water plant, it prefers growing in alkaline water[200]. A good oxygenator for ponds, the plant forms a large mass with stems up to 2 metres long[1, 200]. This is a very vigorous species which can regrow from even small sections of the plant. Stem fragments become rooted by fine, unbranched adventitious roots and soon produce vegetative reproductive structures from both subterranean and erect stems[270]. Tubers produced on subterranean stems are pale brown; those produced on erect stems are dark olive-green and covered with short, stiff scales. Both types germinate quickly to produce new stems[270]. This species has often invaded native habitats, clogging waterways and crowding out native species of flora and fauna[274]. It is considered a noxious weed in many areas[274]. Plants can be monoecious or dioecious. Dioecious plants (usually female) are triploid forms whilst monoecious plants are diploid[274]. Male flowers are released from the plant under water. They float to the surface where they release their pollen to fertilize female flowers[274].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Propagation
Seed - it is quite likely that seed must be kept moist in order to maintain viability. If seed can be obtained, it is probably best sown immediately in a greenhouse in soil covered with water. Tubers - plant immediately in soil covered in water, Division - even small sections of stem will soon start producing roots when placed in water.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Plant Search
Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(L.f.)Royle.
Botanical References
200270274
Links / References
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