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MONOCHORIA


 

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

 

25/VI/2025

 

Water plants have become a part of our Roof top garden. A variety of waterlilies are the mainstay. Besides, there are numerous floating ones which have been added during our gardening journey.

 

There is a plant called Water Mosaic. Unfortunately, it could not stand the severe winter. It had to be replaced this year as it had stolen my heart away.

 

While ordering the mosaic plant, I came across a few more water plants in the catalogue of the seller. One of them is called Monochoria. A dainty looking plant with very beautiful mauve/lilac blue coloured flowers which bowled me over. The seller told me that it is easy to grow along with the waterlilies. It had to be planted in the same pot and not much effort or care was needed.

 

That is what I did. I had no idea how big its flowers would be or how the plant would react. In my mind, an image of ‘water hyacinth’ was how it should grow. It is from the same family. Generally, hyacinth has purple flowers but, in our collection, we have white ones, not seen commonly.

 

Monochoria is also called the Pickerel Weed or Pond weed. In Bengali it is called Panee Kachu and in Hindi Panpatta and Jonaki in Assamese. It is from the ‘Jalkhumbi’ family for ease of understanding.

 

It grows wild in and around the boundary of paddy fields. Means that it is not a tamed or a hybrid plant but can be seen in the wild. Which also meant that it would be resilient and adjust to the new environment fast and it did.

 

Within days of arrival, new shoots sprouted and the best part is that the plant has flowered because it came along with the buds. Once it settles down and grows to its full capacity will it reveal its true colours and size. I shall update accordingly. Till then enjoy this new guest in our family.

 

I am fascinated. Are you? I wonder!!!!!

 

JAI HIND

©® NOEL ELLIS





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