Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Commelinales
Species:
paradoxa
ID:
501871

Status:
valid

Authors:
Mart.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1830

Citation Micro:
Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 7: 1144 (1830)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000501203

Common Names

  • Pontederia Paradoxa
  • Paradoxical Pontederia
  • Paradoxical-leaved Pontederia

Searching for Pontederia paradoxa? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Synonyms

  • Cabanisia caracasana Schlecht. [unknown]
  • Eichhornia caracasana (Schltdl.) Benth. & Hook.f. [unknown]
  • Eichhornia costaricana L.D.Gómez [unknown]
  • Eichhornia paradoxa Solms [unknown]
  • Eichhornia schultesiana Seub. [unknown]

Description

Pontederia paradoxa (also called Paradoxical Pontederia, among many other common names) is a perennial aquatic plant native to Central and South America. It has long, narrow leaves and produces blue flowers. It is found in shallow water bodies such as ponds and marshes.

Uses & Benefits

Pontederia paradoxa is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating fever, malaria, and other ailments.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Flower of Pontederia paradoxa is a blue-purple color with a yellow center. Its seeds are small and black. Its seedlings are small and have a single stem with two leaves.

Searching for Pontederia paradoxa? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Cultivation and Propagation

Pontederia paradoxa is a perennial aquatic plant that can be propagated from seed or division. It is best grown in full sun to part shade in moist soil or shallow water. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but prefers moist, fertile soil. It is best to divide the plant in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The plant can also be propagated from seed, which should be sown in early spring in a warm, sunny location.

Where to Find Pontederia paradoxa

Pontederia paradoxa is native to tropical Africa and is found in moist areas such as riverbanks, swamps, and wet forests.

Pontederia paradoxa FAQ

What is the scientific name of Pontederia paradoxa?

Pontederia paradoxa

What is the common name of Pontederia paradoxa?

Paradoxical pickerelweed

What is the natural habitat of Pontederia paradoxa?

Freshwater wetlands

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,