Status:
valid
Authors:
Mart.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1824
Citation Micro:
Nov. Gen. Sp. Pl. 1: 9 (1824)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000501039
Common Names
- Pontederia crassipes
- Thick-stemmed Pontederia
- Crassipes Pontederia
Synonyms
- Eichhornia cordifolia Gand. [illegitimate]
- Eichhornia crassicaulis Schlecht. [unknown]
- Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms [unknown]
- Eichhornia speciosa Kunth [unknown]
- Heteranthera formosa Miq. [unknown]
- Piaropus crassipes (Mart.) Raf. [unknown]
- Piaropus mesomelas Raf. [unknown]
- Pontederia crassicaulis Schlecht. [unknown]
- Pontederia elongata Balf. [unknown]
- Pontederia crassipes Roem. & Schult. [unknown]
- Eichhornia crassicaulis Schltr. [deprecated]
- Pontederia crassicaulis Schltr. [deprecated]
Description
Pontederia crassipes (also called Giant Pickerelweed, among many other common names) is a perennial aquatic plant native to tropical and subtropical regions. It typically grows in shallow water or on the banks of ponds and streams. Its leaves are long and narrow, and its flowers are bright blue.
Uses & Benefits
Pontederia crassipes is used as an ornamental plant, and for its medicinal properties. It has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, colds, and headaches.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Pontederia crassipes is blue in color and has three petals. The seed is dark brown in color and is about 1 cm in diameter. The seedlings are small and have a single stem with small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Pontederia crassipes is a fast-growing, evergreen perennial that can reach up to 4 feet in height. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is best done by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in spring in a warm, sunny location and kept moist until germination occurs. Division should be done in late spring or early summer and the divisions should be planted in a warm, humid environment.
Where to Find Pontederia crassipes
Pontederia crassipes is native to tropical Africa and is found in moist areas such as riverbanks, swamps, and wet forests.
Pontederia crassipes FAQ
What is the scientific name of Pontederia crassipes?
Pontederia crassipes
What is the common name of Pontederia crassipes?
Thick-leaved Pontederia
What is the natural habitat of Pontederia crassipes?
Pontederia crassipes is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique
Species in the Pontederia genus
Pontederia azurea,
Pontederia cordata,
Pontederia crassipes,
Pontederia hastata,
Pontederia natans,
Pontederia ovalis,
Pontederia paniculata,
Pontederia paradoxa,
Pontederia parviflora,
Pontederia plantaginea,
Pontederia rotundifolia,
Pontederia sagittata,
Pontederia subovata,
Pontederia triflora,
Pontederia vaginalis,
Pontederia meyeri,
Pontederia australasica,
Pontederia brevipetiolata,
Pontederia cyanea,
Pontederia valida,
Pontederia heterosperma,
Pontederia diversifolia,
Pontederia korsakowii,
Pontederia elata,
Pontederia africana,
Species in the Pontederiaceae family
Heteranthera callifolia,
Heteranthera dubia,
Heteranthera limosa,
Heteranthera mexicana,
Heteranthera multiflora,
Heteranthera oblongifolia,
Heteranthera peduncularis,
Heteranthera reniformis,
Heteranthera rotundifolia,
Heteranthera seubertiana,
Heteranthera spicata,
Heteranthera zosterifolia,
Heteranthera lutea,
Heteranthera gardneri,
Pontederia azurea,
Pontederia cordata,
Pontederia crassipes,
Pontederia hastata,
Pontederia natans,
Pontederia ovalis,
Pontederia paniculata,
Pontederia paradoxa,
Pontederia parviflora,
Pontederia plantaginea,
Pontederia rotundifolia,
Pontederia sagittata,
Pontederia subovata,
Pontederia triflora,
Pontederia vaginalis,
Pontederia meyeri,
Pontederia australasica,
Pontederia brevipetiolata,
Pontederia cyanea,
Pontederia valida,
Pontederia heterosperma,
Pontederia diversifolia,
Pontederia korsakowii,
Pontederia elata,
Pontederia africana,