Hydrocotyle contella is a species of perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Hydrocotyle genus and the Apiaceae family. It is commonly known as "pennywort" or "navelwort." Native to parts of Asia, including China and Japan, Hydrocotyle contella is found in wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, and along the banks of streams.
Hydrocotyle contella typically has a creeping habit, with slender, wiry stems that can reach lengths of up to 30 centimeters. The leaves, which are usually rounded or kidney-shaped, are attached to the stems by long petioles. The plant may produce small, inconspicuous flowers that are arranged in umbrella-like clusters, giving rise to its resemblance to an umbrella or a navel, from where it derives its common names.
This species is valued for its ornamental qualities and is often used as an aquatic or marginal plant in garden ponds and water features. Due to its spreading habit, Hydrocotyle contella is also utilized for erosion control, as it effectively forms dense ground cover.
In some traditional medicinal practices, extract from Hydrocotyle contella is used for various purposes, including aiding digestion, treating skin disorders, and promoting wound healing. Moreover, it is recognized for its potential benefits in skincare products due to its high content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Hydrocotyle contella is a versatile and attractive plant that thrives in water-rich environments and offers aesthetic, ecological, and potential medicinal uses.
