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

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

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

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

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

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

See also

• Marsilea quadrifolia
• Marsilea minuta
• Marsilea mutica