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Common Name : Blunt Arrowhead     -       Scientific Name : Limnophyton obtussifolium (Alismataceae)       -       Other Name : Sudu Diya Habarala (S)
Kumutu villu
06/22/2013

This is a common species found in many aquatic habitats of the dry lowlands. Other than Sri Lanka this species is also native to Africa from Liberia to South Africa, Madagascar, India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

I have observed this species at most dry zone aquatic habitat such as swamps, marshes, ponds and tank edges etc. In muddy areas the plant looks quite tall and succulent but I have also observed that in areas of sandy soil the plant takes a stunted appearance. Even though this is a very common plant there are no records of it being used as a vegetable any where in the world.

In Wilpattu I have observed Sambhur and Barking Deer feeding on the leaves of Blunt Arrowhead as depicted in the image taken at Kumutu Wila.  This species can be found in suitable water bodies such as Kumutu Wila, Kanjuran Villu and Manik Wila. I have observed flowers from May to June.