In other parts of the series, we have presented:
Ottelia alismoides
This plant is not endemic to Sulawesi, or even Indonesia. It has a large distribution area that includes North Africa, South and Southeast Asia to China and Japan as well as Australia. It is introduced to the United States and is considered a weed there, although it spreads only slowly if at all. Its various parts are consumed or used in traditional medicine.
The typical occurrence of Ottelia alismoides is in rice fields, in shallow ditches, but also in slow-flowing streams and lakes. Thanks to its large, almost round leaves on long petioles, it is unmistakable. Young plants have narrow leaves, you can clearly see this in the photos below. It only reproduces sexually. Unlike Ottelia mesenterium, it does not send its flowers to the surface – it blooms above the water only in very shallow water, otherwise the white flower stays underwater.
Due to its wide range and greater adaptability, Ottelia alismoides is a better candidate for cultivation than Ottelia mesenterium, but it is more of a (warm) pond type of plant. The leaves can reach a length of up to 70 cm!








Markéta Rejlková