Chinese Water Chestnut
Eleocharis dulcis
- Native to:
- Andaman Is., Angola, Australia, Bangladesh, Botswana, Burkina, Cambodia, Caroline Is., Chad, China, Congo, DR Congo, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hainan, India, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jawa, Kenya, Korea, Lesser Sunda Is., Liberia, Madagascar, Malaya, Mali, Maluku, Marianas, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nansei-shoto, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Réunion, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Uganda, Vietnam, Wallis-Futuna Is., Zambia, Zimbabwe
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Eleocharis
- Species:
- Eleocharis dulcis
- USDA Symbol:
- ELDU3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- brown
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, wading birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, waterlogged, clayey or silty soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wetlands and marshy areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best in shallow water or saturated soil with warm temperatures. Most propagation is done vegetatively via corms.