Identification of this Aeschynomene species Aquatic plant from Pune

[Prof. Dr. Santhosh Kumar Rajamani]

Dear

This aquatic plant specimen collected from Rice field near Lonavala.

I am encountering difficulty placing this Aeschynomene specimen within the three species generally reported from India (A. indica, A. americana, A. aspera). Morphologically, it does not align well with any of them. The flowers are entirely yellow without the reddish blotch typically seen in A. indica and A. americana, and the keel lacks the prominent horn-like protrusion characteristic of A. aspera. 

In addition, the plant is a small floating herb with delicate stems on surface of water as shown in the photograph


whereas A. indica and A. americana are usually erect to shrubby, and A. aspera is a tall emergent species with spongy stems. 

These discrepancies suggest that the specimen may not fall under the usual identification keys and could represent either an overlooked floating taxon within India or an introduced species. I would be grateful for expert clarification before drawing any further conclusions.

Regards 

[Saroj Kasaju]

Smithia conferta Sm.

Thank you.

Saroj Kasaju

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