Hottonia

Hottonia is a genus of aquatic flowering plants in the family Primulaceae. The genus contains two species, Hottonia palustris and Hottonia inflata. Hottonia palustris, commonly known as water violet or feather-leaf, is native to Europe and northwestern Asia. It is a submerged perennial plant that grows in slow-moving or stagnant water, such as ponds, ditches, and canals. The plant has finely divided, feathery leaves and produces whorls of pale pink or white flowers on erect stalks that rise above the water surface. Hottonia inflata, known as American featherfoil, is native to eastern North America. It is found in similar aquatic habitats to H. palustris, but it is an annual plant. Its flowers are typically white and borne in whorls on stems that may be partially submerged or emergent. Both species are important components of freshwater ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various aquatic organisms. The water violet has also been used in traditional medicine. The genus was named by Carl Linnaeus in honor of the Dutch botanist and physician Pieter Hotton.