Khai Nam
Wolffia globosa
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Pl. 6B41 — Wolffia globosa
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IOverview
Overview
Khai Nam (Wolffia globosa) is a small, floating aquatic plant native to regions including Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and various parts of China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Known for its edible leaves, this perennial forb/herb thrives in wet environments and requires full sun exposure. It can be found growing in the shallow waters of ponds, lakes, and rice fields across its native range, making it a valuable resource in these ecosystems. One distinctive feature is its tiny size; Khai Nam is one of the smallest flowering plants known, with leaves so small they are barely visible to the naked eye.
Quick answers
What is Khai Nam?
Khai Nam (Wolffia globosa) is a small, floating aquatic plant native to regions including Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and various parts of China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Known for its edible leaves, this perennial forb/herb thrives in wet environments and requires full sun exposure.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Khai Nam (Wolffia globosa) thrives in full sun and requires a wet environment for cultivation. It is hardy in temperate regions with a tolerance to zones 10-12. As a perennial forb/herb, it can be propagated through division or seeds. The edible parts are the leaves, which should be harvested regularly to encourage new growth. Ensure the soil is consistently moist and provide ample water.
Light
Full sun
Water
Wet, Water
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
For first-time growers
How to grow Khai Nam for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, water-based container and basic care to grow Khai Nam.
- 1
What you'll need
A watertight container, aquatic planting medium, and some Wolffia globosa seeds.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when water temperatures are above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a watertight container filled with aquatic planting medium or clean, nutrient-free water.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Place seeds directly into the container or float them on the surface of the water.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the container in full sun and monitor for any signs of rot or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Maintain a consistent water level, avoid direct sunlight during peak heat, and check for weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune occasionally to maintain the size and health of the plant. Harvest leaves as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overexposure to light, using contaminated water, neglecting water level, not providing enough nutrients, and overpruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Khai Nam (Wolffia globosa) are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used in soups and stews, adding a delicate flavor to dishes. The plant thrives in wet habitats and is native to regions including Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China South-Central, and India.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
23 native · 7 introduced
Distribution
23 native · 7 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 23 native· 7 introduced
Asia15 regions
native (15)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaJapanLaosMyanmarNepalPakistanPhilippinesSouth KoreaSri LankaTaiwanThailandVietnam
Americas2 regions
introduced (2)ColombiaUnited States
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Angola
Broader regions
native:Jawa, Sumatera, Hainan, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Nansei-shoto
introduced:California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 6b41941a-250c-42da-ab2e-a6143d53aa91
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