Water Pennywort
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides
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Pl. 4263 — Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioidesHydrocotyle sibthorpioidesHydrocotyle sibthorpioidesHydrocotyle sibthorpioidesHydrocotyle sibthorpioidesHydrocotyle sibthorpioidesHydrocotyle sibthorpioidesHydrocotyle sibthorpioidesHydrocotyle sibthorpioidesHydrocotyle sibthorpioidesHydrocotyle sibthorpioidesHydrocotyle sibthorpioidesHydrocotyle sibthorpioidesHydrocotyle sibthorpioides
IOverview
Overview
Water Pennywort, scientifically known as Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, is a perennial herb native to the Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, and various regions of New Zealand, as well as parts of Angola, Assam, Bangladesh, and Borneo. This plant thrives in moist environments with partial sun or shade and can tolerate both light (sandy) and heavy (clay) soils. It is known for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to gardens where it can grow up to 0.1 meters tall. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to adapt to diverse habitats while remaining a useful source of nutrition.
Quick answers
What is Water Pennywort?
Water Pennywort, scientifically known as Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, is a perennial herb native to the Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, and various regions of New Zealand, as well as parts of Angola, Assam, Bangladesh, and Borneo.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Water Pennywort thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to wet conditions. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. Hardy from zones 5-9, this perennial can be propagated through stem cuttings. Harvest the edible leaves for use in culinary applications.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Water Pennywort for the first time
7steps
Water Pennywort is a low-maintenance plant perfect for beginners, especially those interested in water gardens or containers.
- 1
What you'll need
A container with drainage holes, aquatic planting medium, and Water Pennywort plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Water Pennywort in spring when temperatures are mild and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a mix of sand and clay for good drainage. Ensure the container is clean and has adequate space for growth.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant Water Pennywort directly into the prepared container, ensuring roots are fully submerged.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the water level consistent and avoid direct sunlight to prevent shock. Monitor for signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial sun or full shade, keep soil moist but not overly wet, and fertilize sparingly with a balanced aquatic plant fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune Water Pennywort to maintain shape and prevent overcrowding. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves as needed.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Water Pennywort are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used fresh in salads or added to soups and stews for a mild flavor.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia6 regions
native (6)BangladeshChinaIndiaJapanLaosMyanmar
Africa9 regions
native (9)AngolaBurundiCameroonEthiopiaGuineaKenyaMadagascarMalawiMozambique
Broader regions
native:Chatham Is., New Zealand South, Kermadec Is., New Zealand North, Borneo, Congo, East Himalaya, Gulf of Guinea Is., Hainan, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 4263ef55-b50f-45db-9f9a-6d60f70043a5
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