Thanks, Sibdas ji for the detailed inf. Here are some extracts from Wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ipomoea_aquatica
*Ipomoea aquatica* is a semi-aquatic<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquatic_plant> tropical <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical> plant grown as a leaf vegetable <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf_vegetable>. Its precise natural distribution is unknown due to extensive cultivation, with the species found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Common names include *water spinach*, *swamp cabbage*, *water convolvulus*, *water morning-glory, Thooti koora* in Telugu<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telugu_language>; *Kalmisag*, *Sarnali*, *Ganthian* in Hindi<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindi_language> ; In Assamese <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assamese_language> it is called * Kolmou*; In Bangla <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangla> *Kolmi Shak* or *Kolmi Lota*. *Ipomoea aquatica* grows in water <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water> or on moist soil <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil>. Its stems are 2-3 m or more long, hollow, allowing them to float, and these root at the nodes. The leaves <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf> vary from sagittate (typical) to lanceolate, 5-15 cm long and 2-8 cm broad. The flowers<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flower>are trumpet-shaped, 3-5 cm diameter, usually white in colour. It is most commonly grown in East <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asia>and Southeast Asia <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Asia>. Because it flourishes naturally in waterways and does not require much if any care, it is used extensively in Malay and Chinese cuisine, especially in rural<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rural>or *kampung <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kampung>* (village) areas. It is not to be mistaken with watercress <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watercress>, which often grows in similar situations. Other good links: http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/node/201, http://www.lucidcentral.com/keys/FNW/FNW%20seeds/html/fact%20sheets/Ipomoea%20aquatica.htm, http://www.hear.org/pier/species/ipomoea_aquatica.htm On Sun, Dec 7, 2008 at 10:43 PM, sibdas ghosh <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > . > > > This is Ipomoea aquatica, in Bengali- Kalmi, leaves taken as green > vegetable. It is aquatic in habit. But this particular plant is > growing in dry land.During the last monsoon this land became > waterlogged for few days, and the Ipomoea grew there. After monsoon > the land was cleared, but last month I found a single plant coming > out. A few days back I found a bud, the bud opened at about 10.00 am > in the morning. and again closed in the evening. First of all the > aquatic I. aquatica flowers are light violet in colour, but not this > one. Moreover, unlike other white flowers (as in I. alba) it opened in > the day time and closed with the sunset. It is just an observation to > share with you. > Place- Prantik (Shantiniketan), date - 27th Nov. 2008 > > > > -- With regards, J.M.Garg "We often ignore the beauty around us" Creating Awareness about Indian Flora & Fauna: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Jmgarg1 For learning about our trees & plants, please visit/ join Google e-group (Indiantreepix) http://groups.google.co.in/group/indiantreepix?hl=en --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "indiantreepix" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.co.in/group/indiantreepix?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
