The water environment is full of vegetation: numerous algae, coastal grasses and shrubs adorn almost any body of water. However, only a few of them can boast that they give life to beautiful inflorescences. That is why the small egg capsule is considered such an amazing and unique plant.
General information
Small egg-pod (lat. Nuphar pulila) is a perennial freshwater plant. It belongs to the water lily family and is a separate species. It lives both in rivers with a small current, and in stagnant water. According to scientists, this is one of the most ancient plants on the planet - its first representatives inhabited the expanses of water 30 million years ago.
Small pod begins to sprout from a rhizome attached to the bottom. A thin trunk stretches from it to the surface. Its length depends on the depth of the reservoir, in some cases it can reach 150-170 cm.
It is noteworthy that the plantsmall egg capsule has both underwater and surface leaves. The first actively develop in the spring, at the time of germination of the cutting to the surface. It is they who are engaged in photosynthesis until the first sprouts appear above the water.
From above, the plant is represented by large, heart-shaped leaves that lie on the water surface in thin plates. Their length varies between 15-20 cm, and sometimes even more. On average, one small capsule releases about 10 stems to the surface, and some of them bloom with beautiful yellow petals by the beginning of summer.
Amazing yellow flowers
Naturally, the main "treasure" of this plant is its flower. It is represented by a small yellow bud, consisting of 6 petals. The diameter of the flowers rarely exceeds 3 cm. And it is this feature that distinguishes this species from its closest relative, the yellow pod.
As it develops, the flower turns into an onion-shaped green fruit. Inside it, seeds ripen within two to three weeks. After that, the fruit is divided into several parts and falls into the water. Initially, they do not sink, as they contain air bubbles. Thanks to this, the wind or current carries the seeds throughout the reservoir, thereby covering more and more new territories.
Distribution and habitat
Small egg-pod is a very common plant. It can be found in the waters of Europe, Russia, Central Asia and North America. Prefers areas with a temperate climate and not too longwinters. Does not tolerate s alt water, and is also mortally afraid of any environmental pollution.
In particular, it is because of the deterioration of the environment in some regions that the small egg-pod has been taken under protection. The Red Book prohibits the extraction and destruction of these plants in the Khabarovsk Territory, the Sakhalin and Amur Regions and in the Jewish Autonomous Region. The same rules apply to all water bodies of the Republic of Belarus.
It should also be noted that today the small capsule is often grown artificially. This is due to the fact that its juicy leaves and bright flowers can decorate any pond. Especially if it is harmoniously seated with other representatives of the water lily family.
Healing properties of the plant
People have long begun to study the healing properties that the small egg-pod has. Photos of this plant are in many books on traditional medicine. It is also no less popular among pharmacists who develop new types of drugs.
And all because the capsule contains a large amount of d-nufaropumilin and alkaloids. Most often, the tincture of this plant is used to treat bowel disease, gout, enuresis, and stomach cramps. In addition, it can reduce the rate of development of cancer.
In Chinese medicine, capsule is known as an excellent pain reliever that can relieve pain in the head, back and teeth. Also, its flowers are used to create ointments. For the most part, their medicinal properties are aimed at fighting the rash and speeding up healing.ran.
However, it should be remembered that the small capsule is a poisonous plant. It cannot be used for treatment without knowing all the intricacies of preparing medicinal decoctions. After all, even a small overdose can lead to sad consequences that will greatly harm the body.
