Asiatic button-bush
Characteristics: A small shrub which can reach up to 2.5 m in height. Leaves are thin coriaceous, oblong oval to oval, 8-12 cm in length, 2.5-5 cm in width. No hairs on the upper surface, fine hairs on the lower surface, slightly wavy along the margins, distinctive veins. Spherical flower head is terminal or axillary, petals are white, approximately 9 mm in length. Style is approximately 1.5 mm in length, capitate stigma. Fruit possesses one seed, does not crack open.
Distribution: Mainly distributed in South Asia and North America, as well in Taiwan. In Taiwan, primary records are only in low elevation open areas and wetlands in the northern part of the island.
Properties: Similar to other buttonbushes and floating hearts (Nymphoides coreana), it grows in wetland areas in aqueducts, ponds, and irrigation canals. More than 100 years ago, there were many places in the Taipei area where the water was clean. Due to pollution, urban development and changes in the ecological environment, this species has all but disappeared from the wild.
Specimen introduction: S. Yano specimen no. 36. Collection site is described at Taipeh, which refers to today's Taipei area. Collection date is June 10, 1896. This specimen number can be found in the collections of LE, SAPS and TNM.
