Khai Nam (Wolffia globosa)

Family: Araceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Wolffia globosa, commonly known as Khai Nam or Water-Eggs, is a very small aquatic herb with free floating fronds. It is a tropical and subtropical plant and one of the smallest flowering plants worldwide. It is a cultivated vegetable crop in Laos, Burma, and Thailand. The edible leaves have an excellent flavor and are very nutritious. No plant part is of medicinal use.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, they taste somewhat like a sweet cabbage. — An excellent flavour, they taste somewhat like a sweet cabbage.; The leaves are very nutritious, containing about 20% protein, 44% carbohydrate.; 5% fat and are rich in vitamins A, B2, B6, C and nicotinic acid.

Habitat & North American Range

Floating on quiet waters. A rare native of southern Britain, growing in still waters. (Zone 10)