Hydrocotyle vulgaris, L.

3. H. vulgaris L. View in CoL , Sp. Pl. 234 (1753) View Cited Treatment .

Stems creeping and rooting at the nodes. Petioles up to 25 cm, sometimes with long patent hairs; leaves suborbicular, crenate, with 6-10 veins. Inflorescence | as long as subtending petiole; flowers in whorls. Fruit 2 mm wide, very shortly pedicellate, cordate at the base, with evident ridges. 2n = 96. Shallow fresh water and damp places. W., C. & S. Europe, extending to c. 60° N. in Norway and Sweden and to White Russia. Al Au Az Be Br Co Cz Da Ga Ge G r Hb He Ho Hs Hu It Ju Lu No Po Rs (B, C) Si Su.

There is some evidence that the closely related H. verticillata Thunb. , Diss. Hydrocot. 2, 5 (1798), which is widespread from Australia, through tropical Africa to America, may occur in S. Europe. It may be distinguished by the leaves with 8-13 veins, glabrous petioles about equalling the inflorescence and fruit with cuneate base.