Duck-lettuce (Ottelia alismoides, Syn. Pl. 1: 400 (1805))

Family: Hydrocharitaceae

Author: (L.) Pers.

Bibliography: Syn. Pl. 1: 400 (1805)

Year: 1805

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ottelia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to N. Australia

Description

Duck-lettuce, scientifically known as Ottelia alismoides, is a striking aquatic plant appreciated for its ecological significance and aesthetic appeal in tropical and subtropical regions. This remarkable species thrives in warm climates extending from Asia to Northern Australia, adapting comfortably to the diverse environments within its range.

Belonging to the Hydrocharitaceae family, Duck-lettuce is often recognized by its vibrant green, floating leaves which create an illusion of a miniature lettuce head resting peacefully on the water’s surface. The leaves are typically broad and tender, with finely serrated edges that add to the plant’s delicate charm. This natural buoyancy allows Duck-lettuce to float freely on water bodies, making it an excellent choice for enhancing the beauty of ponds, lakes, and aquariums.

Ottelia alismoides is not only admired for its visual appeal but also valued for its role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. It provides essential cover and habitat for various species of aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates. By offering shelter and spawning grounds, Duck-lettuce contributes to the biodiversity and balance of aquatic life.

The plant is also instrumental in water quality management. Through its natural filtration capabilities, Duck-lettuce helps in the absorption of excess nutrients, reducing the growth of undesirable algae and maintaining clear water conditions. This characteristic makes it a favored choice for ecologists and environmentalists aiming to rehabilitate and preserve the natural state of water bodies.

Despite its widespread benefits, Duck-lettuce requires specific conditions to flourish. It favors calm, slow-moving water with abundant sunlight and a nutrient-rich substrate. In garden ponds or controlled water bodies, providing these conditions can lead to lush and healthy growth, further enhancing the aquatic landscape.

First described in the early 19th century, Duck-lettuce has sustained its relevance over time, treasured by botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Its persistent presence across various regions and its contribution to aquatic environments underline its importance in the plant kingdom.

In summary, Ottelia alismoides, or Duck-lettuce, is more than just an ornamental water plant; it is a vital component in supporting aquatic ecosystems. Its aesthetic elegance and ecological functions make it a noteworthy species within its native range and beyond.

Common Names

Eng: ducklettuce, duck lettuce, duck-lettuce, water-plantain ottelia, waterplantain ottelia
Ita: erba coltella delle risaie
Swe: ottelia
Kor: mul-jil-gyeong-i
En: Duck-lettuce, Water-plantain ottelia, Ducklettuce, Duck lettuce, Waterplantain Ottelia
Ar: أخو البشنين, عقول (عَقول) بشنين, لقمه القاضى (لُقمة القاضى), معره الطير (مَعْرة الطيّر), ودنه (وِدْنَه)، ودنه ماعه (وِدْنَة مَاعه), ودنه الشيطان (وِدْنَة الشيطان)
It: Erba coltella delle risaie
Ko: Mul-jil-gyeong-i
Es: Espada, Tangila
Sv: Ottelia

Synonyms

• Damasonium lancifolium (C.Presl)
• Damasonium lactucifolium (Planch.)
• Boottia lanceolata (Gagnep.)
• Damasonium javanicum (Blume)
• Ottelia japonica (Miq.)
• Ottelia bodinieri ((H.Lév. & Vaniot) Dandy)
• Damasonium indicum (Willd.)
• Ottelia indica ((Willd.) Planch. ex Dalzell & A.Gibson)
• Stratiotes alismoides (L.)
• Ottelia hoffmeisteri (Klotzsch)
• Hymenotheca latifolia (Salisb.)
• Damasonium alismoides ((L.) R.Br.)
• Ottelia alata ((Gagnep.) H.Li)
• Boottia thorelii (Gagnep.)
• Ottelia philippinensis (Ostenf.)
• Ottelia alismoides var. oryzetorum ((Kom.) Kitag.)
• Ottelia alismoides var. lacustris ((Kom.) Kitag.)
• Ottelia alismoides f. lacustris (Kom.)
• Ottelia alismoides f. oryzetorum (Kom.)
• Ottelia condorensis (Gagnep.)
• Ottelia lanceolata ((Gagnep.) Dandy)
• Boottia alata (Gagnep.)
• Ottelia thorelii ((Gagnep.) Dandy)
• Boottia bodinieri ((H.Lév. & Vaniot) H.Lév. & Vaniot)
• Damasonium tranquebariense (Schult.f.)
• Damasonium timorense (Zipp. ex Span.)
• Ottelia alismoides var. javanica ((Blume) Kuntze)
• Ottelia dioecia (S.Z.Yan)
• Ottelia lactucifolia ((Planch.) Walp.)
• Ottelia javanica ((Blume) Voigt)
• Ottelia alismoides var. lanceolata (Kuntze)
• Hydrocharis bodinieri (H.Lév. & Vaniot)
• Stratiotes quinquealatus (Stokes)
• Ottelia ensiformis (Blanco)
• Ottelia alismoides var. cordifolia (Kuntze)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• California (introduced)
• Egypt (introduced)
• Iraq (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Sudan (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 1, 2020 by Santhosh Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2019 by prithvijit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2022 by Puja Ray (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2020 by Santhosh Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 7, 2021 by Kumar Udaya (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 26, 2019 by prithvijit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Sudhanshu Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Sudhanshu Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Habit

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 18, 2013 by EOL − P. Santhan (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5329515)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1080475-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ottelia alismoides (L.) Pers.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth