Mud plantain (Heteranthera reniformis, Fl. Peruv. 1: 43 (1798))

Family: Pontederiaceae

Author: Ruiz & Pav.

Bibliography: Fl. Peruv. 1: 43 (1798)

Year: 1798

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Heteranthera

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. U.S.A. to Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

The Mud Plantain, known scientifically as Heteranthera reniformis, is a noteworthy member of the Pontederiaceae family. First described in 1798 by the renowned botanists Ruiz and Pavón in the work “Flora Peruviana et Chilensis” (specifically in Fl. Peruv. 1: 43), this aquatic and semi-aquatic plant species has garnered interest due to its widespread occurrence and distinctive characteristics.

Thriving in the diverse climates of Central and Eastern United States, Mud Plantain also extends its reach into the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. This geographical range underscores its adaptability to varying environmental conditions, particularly those pertaining to water availability and soil types.

The Mud Plantain is easily recognizable by its unique growth habit and morphological features. Its broad, kidney-shaped leaves often float on the water surface or emerge just above it, creating an aesthetic and functional component in aquatic ecosystems. These leaves are not just visually striking but also play a role in the plant’s respiratory and reproductive processes.

Ecologically, Mud Plantain serves as an important species in its habitats. It contributes to the stabilization of sediment and the provision of a habitat for various aquatic organisms, including invertebrates and small fish. Moreover, it plays a role in water filtration, helping to maintain water quality by absorbing nutrients from the water column.

Horticulturally, Heteranthera reniformis can be used in water gardens and constructed wetlands due to its ornamental foliage and ability to thrive in water-saturated environments. It is especially prized for its resilience and low maintenance requirements, making it a favored choice among aquatic plant enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Mud Plantain, or Heteranthera reniformis, is a remarkable species with significant ecological and horticultural value. Its widespread distribution from the temperate regions of the United States to the tropical and subtropical Americas highlights its robustness and adaptability, rendering it a critical component of the ecosystems it inhabits.

Common Names

Ita: eterantera
Fra: hétéranthère réniforme
Eng: kidneyleaf mudplantain
Por: espiga-azul-de-folhas-redondas, espiga-azul-do-arroz
En: Mud Plantain, Kidneyleaf Mud-plantain, Kidney-leaved mud-plantain, Kidneyleaf mudplantain
Fr: Hétéranthère réniforme
It: Eterantera, Eterantera a fiori bianchi
Pt: Espiga-azul-de-folhas-redondas, Espiga-azul-do-arroz
Es: Guacalillo, Lengua de Sapo, Oreja de Agua

Synonyms

• Schollera reniformis ((Ruiz & Pav.) Kuntze)
• Phrynium reniforme ((Ruiz & Pav.) Kuntze)
• Heteranthera reniformis var. conjungens (O.Schwarz)
• Phrynium reniforme var. acutum ((Willd.) Kuntze)
• Pontederia azurea (Schult. & Schult.f.)
• Leptanthus peruvianus (Pers.)
• Leptanthus reniformis ((Ruiz & Pav.) Michx.)
• Heteranthera pubescens (Vahl)
• Heteranthera virginicus (Steud.)
• Leptanthus virginicus (Pers.)
• Heteranthera acuta (Willd.)
• Buchosia aquatica (Vell.)
• Heterandra reniformis ((Ruiz & Pav.) P.Beauv.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Greece (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Leaf

Taken Nov 11, 2020 by Sánchez Vallerina Eustaquio Anastacio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 17, 2021 by Vinicius Saragiotto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2020 by Sánchez Vallerina Eustaquio Anastacio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2019 by María Ariano José (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 17, 2021 by Vinicius Saragiotto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 17, 2021 by Vinicius Saragiotto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 17, 2021 by Vinicius Saragiotto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

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

Taken Sep 9, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 9, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

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

Bark

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2766151)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:698080-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Heteranthera reniformis Ruiz & Pav.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth