Water Pennywort, Lawn marshpennywort

Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides

Physical Characteristics

Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitats

Lawn; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: The whole plant is eaten raw or cooked as a potherb[61, 105, 183]. It has a parsley-like aroma[183].

Medicinal Uses

Depurative Febrifuge Depurative, febrifuge. Resolves mucus formation[147]. The juice of the plant is used in the treatment of fevers[272]. A paste made from the plant is applied externally to wounds and boils[272]. The plant is decocted and used in the treatment of abscesses, boils, bruises, cirrhosis, colds, coughs, hepatitis, hepatoma, influenza, itch, jaundice, sinusitis and sore throat[218]. It is a Chinese herbal drug for hepatoma[218].

Known Hazards

None known