Euryale ferox, an annual large aquatic herb. It replenishes qi, nourishes the kidneys, solidifies essence, and eliminates dampness. It is used for nocturnal emission, frequent urination, long-term diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, leukorrhea, and vaginal discharge. At the same time, it has high dietary value and has been regarded as a good substance for maintaining youth and preventing premature aging in China since ancient times.
Morphology Euryale ferox is an annual large aquatic herb. The entire plant is spiny. The rhizomes are stout and short, with white fibrous roots and inconspicuous stems. The submerged leaves are arrow-shaped or elliptic-ovate, measuring 4-10cm in length, and have no spines on both sides. The floating leaves are leathery, elliptic-ovate to round, with a diameter of 10-130cm. The upper surface is dark green, wrinkled, and the lower surface is dark purple with short hairs. The leaf veins are raised and the edges are folded upward. The petioles and flower stalks are stout, reaching a length of 25cm.
Ecological environment It grows in ponds, lakes, and paddy fields.
Distribution It is distributed in Northeast China, North China, East China, Central China, Southwest China, and other regions.
Biological characteristics It prefers a warm and humid climate with abundant sunlight. The optimal temperature is 20-30°C. It grows in ponds, reservoirs, or ditches with relatively stable water levels, loose sludge, and a certain degree of acidity in the soil. It is not suitable for cultivation in cold regions.
Identification characteristics The seeds are spherical with a diameter of 5-8mm, and some are broken into pieces. The intact seeds have a reddish-brown or dark purple inner seed coat with irregular vein-like patterns. Approximately 1/3 of one end is yellowish-white. The embryo is small and located in a circular depression at the yellowish-white end. The texture is hard, the cross-section is white, and it is powdery. It has no odor and a slightly astringent taste. The best quality seeds are full, with a white cross-section, powdery texture, and no debris.
Microscopic identification characteristics Powder characteristics: whitish. ①The main starch granules are compound grains, which are round, elongated, or polygonal in shape, composed of tens to hundreds of granules, with a diameter of 12-29μm. The granules are very small, with a diameter of 1-3 (-5) μm. ②The endosperm cells are mostly broken, and intact ones are rectangular, elongated, polygonal, or irregular in shape, with starch granules filling the cells. Inner seed coat cells, pigment layer cells, and ducts can also be seen.
Euryale ferox can be consumed raw, but it has a slightly astringent taste and limited medicinal effect.
