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Pistia

Pistia

9.5
A floating water plant with soft leaves like a small lettuce
  • noun
  • /ˈpɪstiə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : pistia
  • Many aquarists choose Pistia for their aquariums because it helps improve water quality.
  • Pistia stratiotes
  • water lettuce (Pistia)
  • water lettuce (Pistia)

Examples

  • Pistia stratiotes, Eichhornia crassipes, and Dichanthium annulatum were found to play a comparatively key role in the uptake of heavy metals.

    Academic text (2013)
  • The Pistia plant floats on the surface of ponds and lakes, resembling a bright green lettuce.

  • During the hot summer months, Pistia can spread rapidly, covering large areas of still water.

Synonyms

pistia
vsPistia
  • Specialized
9.9

A floating plant like a small green lettuce that covers the surface of water

is the scientific genus term for that single species
Pistia stratiotes
vsPistia
  • Specialized
9.9

A floating water plant with round leaves like lettuce that often forms thick mats

is the genus label covering that one pantropical species
water lettuce
vsPistia
5.9

A floating tropical plant with soft green leaves that form a round cluster on water

is the formal botanical name used for this same plant

Compounds

Pistia stratiotes
  • Specialized
9.9

A floating water plant with round leaves like lettuce that often forms thick mats

Surface Forms

Pistia singular
Pistias plural

Etymology

Pistia is the scientific name taken into Latin from an old Greek name for this floating water plant. It is the name scientists use for the single species commonly called 'water lettuce', so when you see Pistia it means that particular aquatic plant.