Sagittaria sagittifolia

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Sagittaria sagittifolia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Alismatales Family: Alismataceae Genus: Sagittaria Species: S. sagittifolia
Binomial name
Sagittaria sagittifolia L.

Sagittaria sagittifolia (also called arrowhead due to the shape of its leaves) is a flowering plant in the family Alismataceae, native to wetlands throughout the temperate regions of Europe and Asia; in Britain it is the only native Sagittaria.

It is a herbaceous perennial plant, growing in water from 10-50 cm deep. The leaves above water are arrowhead-shaped, the leaf blade 15-25 cm long and 10-22 cm broad, on a long petiole holding the leaf up to 45 cm above water level. The plant also has narrow linear submerged leaves, up to 80 cm long and 2 cm broad. The flowers are 2-2.5 cm broad, with three small sepals and three white petals, and numerous purple stamens.

[edit] Cultivation and uses

The round tuber is edible. In China, it is known as cí gū (慈菇; lit. "benevolent mushroom"), and its tuber is eaten particularly on the Chinese New Year. It tastes bland, with a starchy texture, similar to a potato but somewhat crunchier, even when cooked.

[edit] See also

• Sagittaria

[edit] External links

• Sorting Sagittaria names
• Sagittaria
• Photo of Sagittaria sagittifolia tubers