Trapa bicornis
Trapa bicornisfam. Lythraceae
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Pl. A726 — Trapa bicornis
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IOverview
Overview
Trapa bicornis, a member of the Lythraceae family, is native to regions including Amur, Angola, Assam, Bangladesh, Botswana, and Burkina Faso. This perennial plant thrives in full sun and requires waterlogged conditions, making it suitable for wetland habitats. It can grow in various soil types—light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay)—and is hardy in zones 4-8. Known for its edible seeds, Trapa bicornis is both ornamental and useful as a food source. One distinctive feature of this plant is the presence of two horns on its fruit, which aids in dispersal by water.
Quick answers
What is Trapa bicornis?
Trapa bicornis, a member of the Lythraceae family, is native to regions including Amur, Angola, Assam, Bangladesh, Botswana, and Burkina Faso. This perennial plant thrives in full sun and requires waterlogged conditions, making it suitable for wetland habitats.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Trapa bicornis thrives in full sun and requires moist conditions, making it suitable for water gardens or areas with consistent watering. It prefers light to heavy soil types but can adapt to medium textures as well. This perennial plant is hardy in zones 4-8 and can be propagated from seeds. Ensure the growing environment mimics its native habitats found across Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe for best results.
Light
Full sun
Water
Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
For first-time growers
How to grow Trapa bicornis for the first time
8steps
This guide will help you start growing Skip as a beginner, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
Skip seeds or seedlings, containers or ponds, potting soil if using containers.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining mix for containers; skip this step if planting directly into a pond or lake.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors in small pots, then transplant to larger containers or outdoors once established.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and provide plenty of light. Monitor for any signs of stress or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Ensure the plant gets full sun and regular watering, especially in dry periods. Prune if necessary to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Skip is primarily grown as an ornamental; prune back any dead leaves or stems for a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in unsuitable soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The seed of Trapa bicornis is edible and can be consumed after proper preparation. Typically, the seeds are harvested and then roasted or boiled before eating. Skip the raw consumption to ensure safety and enhance flavor.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia10 regions
native (10)BangladeshChinaIndiaJapanLaosPakistanPhilippinesSouth KoreaSri LankaTaiwan
Africa12 regions
native (12)AngolaBotswanaBurkina FasoCameroonChadGuinea-BissauMalawiMozambiqueNamibiaNigeriaSudanTanzania
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Congo, Jawa, Primorye
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
2 related
See also
2 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Lythraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Lythraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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