Trapa natans
L.
Caltrops, Jesuit Nut, Water Caltrops
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What to Eat
Edible parts: Seeds, Kernel, Nuts, Vegetable, Leaf stalk
The seed can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried and ground into a flour. Its flavour is sweet, floury, and pleasant — comparable to sweet chestnuts. Nutritional content varies across reports: one source lists up to 50% starch; another records 16% starch and 3% protein; a third gives 15% protein and 7.5% fat. At least one report notes that the raw nut contains toxins that are destroyed by cooking.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
It is a temperate plant. It grows in warm, still water. It grows in wetlands. In China it grows from sea level to 2,700 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 5-8.
Africa, Albania, Algeria, Asia, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, China, Czech Republic, East Africa, Europe, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nigeria, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, SE Asia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine, USA, Vietnam, West Africa, Yugoslavia,
How to Identify
An annual plant which grows in water. It can be 60-75 cm across. The leaves occur in rosettes. They are diamond shaped. The leaves have shiny pale green surfaces. The veins are easy to see. There are teeth around the edge. The leaf stalks are fleshy and spongy. They are 4-20 cm long. The fruit are heart-shaped and brown. It is a soft, juicy, fleshy receptacle.
How to Grow
A water plant, growing in water up to 60cm deep. Requires a sunny position in slightly acidic water. Dislikes calcium rich water. Prefers a rich soil. Plants are hardy in all but the coldest parts of Britain. A perennial, but it is best grown as an annual in Britain. Some botanists regard this species as the only genuine member of the genus, all other species considered to be no more than a part of this one highly polymorphic species. Occasionally cultivated for its edible seed, there is at least one named variety. 'Su Zhou' is a form with red-coloured fruit. The edible tubers are typically harvested in late summer to early autumn. Water Chestnut usually flowers in summer. Water Chestnut grows quickly, often forming dense mats in suitable aquatic environments.
Propagation: Harvest seed in late summer and store it overwinter in a jar of water in a cool but frost-free location. The seed loses viability rapidly if allowed to dry out. In spring, sow one seed per pot and submerge under a few centimetres of water.
Medicinal Uses
The fruits are used in the preparation of liniments to treat elephantiasis, pestilent fevers, rheumatism, sores, sunburn, and other skin complaints.
Other Uses
Water chestnut can be used in wetland restoration projects as a water-loving plant, contributing to habitat creation and water quality improvement. The seeds are sometimes used as beads in necklaces and rosaries. The plant can grow free-floating or rooted in the mud in shallow water, and is also capable of growing out of water in very wet, muddy soils. It is grown as an ornamental in aquaria and outdoor ponds. The flowers attract pollinators including bees, providing nectar and pollen. The edible nuts serve as a food source for wildlife, and the plant's dense foliage provides some shelter for invertebrates in the aquatic environment where it grows.
Wikipedia
A perennial aquatic plant growing at a fast rate, hardy to UK zone 5. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile. Flowers June to July. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acidic to neutral pH. Requires full sun and thrives in water; can also grow in very wet, muddy soils out of water. Free-floating or rooting in shallow mud. Attracts wildlife. Suitable for wetland restoration and ornamental pond use.
Production
It bears in 1 year. In NE India fruit are available in November to December.
Other Information
It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. It can be a staple food. Fruit are sold in local markets.
Notes
The plant is prohibited in the USA. Also put in the family Trapaceae.
Names & Synonyms
Dyavolski oreh, Ekota, European water chestnut, Heikak, Heikak yeli, Horn nut, Inyiwa, Ling-chio, Mak ka chap, Niu tou ma, Njefu, Paniphal, Pani singada, Pemak-pe, Rasac, Saligot, Shinghada, Sojom, Sugreng, Sukestanesi, Sulyom, Vodni orešek
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