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Neptunia plena (L.) Benth.
| Family Name: | Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
| Synonyms: | Desmanthus plenus, Mimosa punctata, Acacia lycopodioides, Neptunia surinamensis, Neptunia polyphylla, Mimosa plena |
| Common Name: | Aquatic Sensitive Plant, Water Sensitive Plant, Water Dead-and-Awake, Water Mimosa, 假含羞草, 水合歡 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Aquatic & Hydrophyte (Waterside / Marginal), Creeper |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Shrubby |
| Maximum Height | 1 m to 2 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | South-central USA (Texas), Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, Tropical South America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Riverine, Disturbed Area / Open Ground) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | An aquatic , herbaceous perennial. It is an aquatic floater and has an erect to ascending growth form. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are bi-pinnate compound and are sensitive to touch. |
| Stems | The stems are surrounded by masses or white spongy tissue to buoy the plant when in contact with water. The stems are branching and erect when on land. |
| Flowers | The flowers are yellow. |
| Fruit | The fruits come in the form of flat, oblong pods which are located as bunches on the end of the flowering stalk. The pods split open to release brown, ovoid seeds. |
| Cultivation | It is best grown under full sun, in waterlogged soils. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Riverine |
| Thematic Landscaping | Water Garden, Naturalistic Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Invasive / Potentially Invasive |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly Host Plant, Bee-Attracting |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic (Explosive Dehiscence) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Waterlogged Soils (Drains Site) |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Silver / Grey |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Modification | Stipule |
| Foliar Type | Compound (Even-Pinnate) |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) Remarks | Brownish-red |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Woody |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Tap Root) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Inflorescence Type | Spike |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Legume / Pod |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 969 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2263 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
