Cabomba aquatica (Introduced)

Cabomba aquatica Aubl., Hist. Pl. Guiane 1: 321 (1775) (syn: Cabomba aubletii Michx. ; Nectris aquatica (Aubl.) J.F.Gmel. ; Nectris peltata Pursh);
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S. Tropical America: Bolivia, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela; Introduced into: Bangladesh, Malaya, Myanmar as per POWO;
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100713 ASP 95 : Attachments (1). 6 posts by 3 authors.
Please ID this aquatic plant with yellow flowers. Photo was taken in Sri Lanka in Dec 2012

It looks like Nymphoides peltata.

N aurantiaca.

Leaves look different from images/ specimens of Nymphoides aurantiaca at

http://mediaphoto.mnhn.fr/media/1441349145365jIoeA8VrhzqiIBVt

http://mediaphoto.mnhn.fr/media/1442952842365zFNthtMcO3Z902av

https://www.gbif.org/species/5592256

http://eol.org/pages/2899339/overview

http://zipcodezoo.com/index.php/File:Nymphoides_aurantiaca_0.jpg

https://skipas.wordpress.com/native-plants/plant-families-l-m/menyanthaceae/nymphoides-aurantiaca/

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/FullImageDisplay.aspx?documentid=19853

All flowers showing 6 petals. Different from Nymphoides sp. ??

Cabomba aquatica Aubl. , but did not find the distribution. Maybe, introduced.

Yes, appears close as per images at
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabomba_aquatica
https://www.knowyourweeds.com/en/weeds/Cabomba_aquatica

AI view on google search says:
“Cabomba aquatica is not explicitly reported as a naturalized, invasive species in Sri Lanka in recent, specific field studies, but it is known to be traded within the country’s ornamental aquarium plant industry.

Trade and Presence: A 2013 study recorded C. aquatica along with C. caroliniana and C. furcata as species traded within the aquarium plant industry in Sri Lanka.
Similar Species (Invasive): While C. aquatica is in the trade, studies highlight Cabomba furcata (red cabomba) as the species that has been detected as a “potential invasive plant” in natural ecosystems (e.g., Kalutara district) of Sri Lanka.
Species Distinction: Cabomba furcata is specifically identified as an established, invasive species in Sri Lanka.
Overall Distribution: Cabomba species are non-native to Sri Lanka and are introduced through the aquarium trade.

In summary, Cabomba aquatica exists in the ornamental trade in Sri Lanka, but Cabomba furcata is the species currently highlighted as an invasive, naturalized threat in the country.

References:
POWO

Updated on March 18, 2026

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