A robust and flexible, often submerged, perennial herb, 0.9-2.7 m high. Rhizome horizontal; leaves hardly any; spikelets in small clusters or solitary on the rays of simple or compound umbel; nut 3-sided, pale brown, finally black, smooth.

Diuretic and astringent (tuber); antimicrobial (rhizome)

Plants for a Future

Derivatives of benzaldehyde, cinnamic and hydroxy benzoic acids (rhizome); vitamin B and C (plant)

A traditional medicine for cancer (plant); diuretic (tuber).

Chandel et al., Biodiversity in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India.