Marsilea crenata

Marsilea crenata is a species of fern in the family Marsileaceae, commonly known as the crenate water clover. It is native to Southeast Asia and is often used in Asian cuisine.

Description[edit | edit source]

Marsilea crenata is a small, aquatic fern with a creeping habit. It has a unique four-leaf clover appearance, which gives it its common name. The leaves are typically 1-2 cm in diameter and have a crenate margin, hence the species name crenata. The plant produces small, hard, nut-like sporocarps which contain the spores.

Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]

Marsilea crenata is native to Southeast Asia, including countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. It grows in wet, marshy areas and is often found in rice fields. It is a common plant in the Mekong Delta.

Uses[edit | edit source]

In Asian cuisine, Marsilea crenata is often used as a vegetable. It is particularly popular in Vietnamese cuisine, where it is known as rau nhút. The plant is also used in traditional herbal medicine in some cultures.

Cultivation[edit | edit source]

Marsilea crenata is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of conditions. It prefers wet, marshy soil and full sun to partial shade. It can be propagated by division or from spores.

Conservation[edit | edit source]

While Marsilea crenata is not currently considered threatened, habitat loss due to urban development and agriculture is a potential concern for this species.