Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides - Water Pennywort

Family:	Umbelliferae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.1
Width:	0.3
Synonyms:	H. hirsuta. H. latisecta. H. puncticulata. H. rotundifolia. Roxb.
Range:	E. Asia - Japan.

Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (Water Pennywort) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.1m and a width of 0.3m . It has a hardness rating of 6.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Water Pennywort will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Water Pennywort prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Water Pennywort can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Shady places in lowland areas of C. and S. Japan[58].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Planted in the lawn
• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

Requires a permanently moist position in sun or light shade[200]. Plants are occasionally found as weeds in damp lawns[1].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
The whole plant is eaten raw or cooked as a potherb[61, 105, 183]. It has a parsley-like aroma[183].

• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
Depurative, febrifuge. Resolves mucus formation[147]. The juice of the plant is used in the treatment of fevers[272]. A paste made from the plant is applied externally to wounds and boils[272]. The plant is decocted and used in the treatment of abscesses, boils, bruises, cirrhosis, colds, coughs, hepatitis, hepatoma, influenza, itch, jaundice, sinusitis and sore throat[218]. It is a Chinese herbal drug for hepatoma[218].

• Depurative - Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
• Febrifuge - Reduces fevers.

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing it in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division of rooted runners. Probably best done in spring but can be done at any time in the growing season if the plants are kept moist.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of Japan. (English translation)
Ohwi. G.
Author: Ohwi. G.
Rating:
Publisher : The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1965

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.