|
 Forming
large clumps of felted rosettes, this species is an aggressive
colonizer that can easily smother a small pond.
Although it does not oxygenate the water, fish will feed on its
roots.
It also helps to shade the surface and keep the water cool.
Cultivation: Water lettuce is easily grown in any pond or
slow-moving water.
It multiplies rapidly and can quickly clog streams.
It is usually self-propagating.
Medical use: Leaves are used in traditional medicine for the
treatment of ringworm infection of the scalp, syphilitic eruptions,
skin infections, boils, and wounds. The oil extract of P. stratiotes
is used in the treatment of worm infestations, tuberculosis, asthma,
and dysentery, and is applied externally to treat skin diseases,
inflammation, piles, ulcers, syphilitic infections and burns |
