Nymphoides indica

Nymphoides indica
A flower with six, rather than five petals
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Menyanthaceae
Genus: Nymphoides
Species:
N. indica
Binomial name
Nymphoides indica
Plant habit

Nymphoides indica is an aquatic plant in the Menyanthaceae, native to tropical areas around the world.[1] It is sometimes cultivated, and has become a minor weed in Florida, where it resembles the native Nymphoides aquatica.[2] Common names include banana plant, robust marshwort, and water snowflake;[3]

Description

Nymphoides indica spreads by rhizomes, forming clusters of leaves, with clustered white flowers about 1 cm across. The flowers are sometimes described as having five petals,[4] but can have more.[citation needed]

Voynich Manuscript

The Voynich Manuscript is a mysterious book written in code from Medieval times. It features various flora throughout the book. On page 6, a Nymphoides indica takes up most of the page.

Page six of the Voynich Manuscript.

References

  1. ^ IUCN Red List, retrieved 23 July 2016
  2. ^ Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
  3. ^ USDA GRIN Taxonomy, retrieved 23 July 2016
  4. ^ Ting-nung Ho; Robert Ornduff, "Nymphoides indica (Linnaeus) Kuntze, Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 429. 1891", Flora of China