The Water Caltrop, Trapa bicornis, also known as Water Chestnut, Bat Nut, Devil Pod and Horn Nut is a native to warm temperate parts (not really a tropical plant) of Eurasia and Africa. The plant can stand low temperatures. Trapa bicornis is a floating, aquatic nut bearing vine that grows in slow-moving or standing water up to 5 meters deep.

The Water Caltrop flowers are hermaphrodite and the fruit resembles the head of a bull. Each fruit contains a single, very large, shiny, black and edible nut (seed). However, it must be cooked before eaten since in their raw state contain a deleterious principle that is destroyed by cooking.

If you want to try them out, the following Water Caltop recipe is plain, simple and the most commonly used. Just steam or boil them in water with a little salt. When ready crack the shell to reveal the creamy flesh and just eat them as it is.

Trapa bicornis should not be confused with the unrelated Eleocharis dulcis also called water chestnut, an aquatic plant also grown for food. Trapa bicornis is a member of the Lythraceae family the genus Trapa.

Plant propagation is by dispersion of the rosette and fruits coming off from the stem and floating to another area on streams or by fruits adhering to objects and also by birds or other animals. The seeds quickly lose its vitality if they get dry.

Water Caltrops succeed in slow-moving water or ponds. The plant requires a position in full sun, as it can't grow in shade, somewhat acidic water and high summer temperatures. It is able to float by means of inflated leafstalks. In some parts of the world Water Caltrop is stated as a noxious weed.

Water Caltrop, Trapa bicornis

Interested on Fruit and Nut Bearing Trees and Plants? Stay Tuned. There is Much More to Come.

The key to successful fruit and nut production is the provision of a beneficial environment for the trees that bear them.

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