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DESCRIPTION:
Common waterplantain, a perennial aquatic plant, is a problem in rice fields,
especially in areas where stand is sparse and cold water enters the field.
Although seeds are the most common source of
new plants, plants are able to regrow from the bulbous base, creating problems
where fields have been inadequately plowed. Cotyledons usually float on the
water surface. Elliptical seed leaves are about
2-1/2 to 3 times as long as broad and have a long, reddish-tinged stalk. Mature
plant grows 3 to 4 feet (90 - 120 cm). Leafless flowering stems extend well
above the broadly elliptical leaf blades.
Unbranching leaf stalk bears a single leaf with a prominent vein. Leaves may
be difficult to
distinguish from those of burhead. Three-petalled
flowers are white,
pink or green and cluster in whorls of 3 to 10.
Broadleaf ID illustration.
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