Glinus lotoides L.

Growth Form

Glinus lotoides L. is an annual herb that grows either prostrate or somewhat upright.

Stem Characteristics

Its stems reach up to around 30 to 35 centimeters long, and are covered in felt-like whitish hairs.

Leaf Characteristics

Oval or spade-shaped leaves grow in whorls around the stem, each ranging from a few millimeters to 3 centimeters in length.

Inflorescence Structure

The inflorescence is a tight cluster holding five to ten small flowers.

Flower Structure

Each flower has five woolly sepals and no petals.

Fruit Characteristics

It produces an oval capsule fruit roughly four millimeters long.

Habitat and Range

This species grows on seasonally inundated land across its large native range.

Traditional Uses Overview

It has many traditional uses as both medicine and food in cultures throughout this range.

Food Use

Young leaves and stems of Glinus lotoides are eaten as a vegetable in some tropical countries.