Spadderdock

Description:

Large groupings of spatterdock, or yellow water lily among many other names on an airboat ride through the Everglades. This plant has a fascinating history as it is endemic to both sides of the Atlantic, and was used as a food source and medicine even in Pre-historic times with new research being developed to this day. Seriously, look into it this species is amazing. Medicinal uses include anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial actions, including “alkaloids, anthraquinone glycosides, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds, proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, starch and vitamin C. There's even been talk that they could be used to battle cancer and Alzheimer's and autoimmune disorders. The famed Jimmy Wu of Dartmouth has synthesized alkaloids from this plants capable of apoptosis, which is just fascinating.

Habitat:

Endemic to the entirety of Europe and North America, into parts of Asia and even Africa. It has been introduced to places like New Zealand. They only face threats from climate change, eutrophication, and desertification.