Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides
Lam.
Water Pennywort, Lawn marshpennywort
(c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay
(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman
(c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay
What to Eat
Edible parts: Leaves
The whole plant is eaten raw or cooked as a potherb. It has a parsley-like aroma.
Where to Find It
E. Asia - China, Japan.
TEMPERATE ASIA: Yemen, China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng), Japan (Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan (west), Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines (Luzon) AFRICA: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea (Bioko), Rwanda, Guinea, Angola, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Reunion
How to Identify
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
How to Grow
Requires a permanently moist position in sun or light shade. Plants are occasionally found as weeds in damp lawns.
Propagation: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing it in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division of rooted runners. Probably best done in spring but can be done at any time in the growing season if the plants are kept moist.
Medicinal Uses
Depurative Febrifuge. Depurative, febrifuge. Resolves mucus formation. The juice of the plant is used in the treatment of fevers. A paste made from the plant is applied externally to wounds and boils. The plant is decocted and used in the treatment of abscesses, boils, bruises, cirrhosis, colds, coughs, hepatitis, hepatoma, influenza, itch, jaundice, sinusitis and sore throat. It is a Chinese herbal drug for hepatoma.
