Ottelia cordata in water [Photo by Zhang Mao/hinews.cn]
A large area of ottelia cordata, a nationally protected wild plant, was discovered in Longqiao town, Haikou, on Dec 4.
The aquatic herbaceous plant grows in fresh-water ditches, ponds and wetlands, and is distributed only in Hainan, Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia. In Hainan, it is seen just in lava regions in the northern part of the province.
The flower, identified by its pure-white petals and flaxen stamens, blooms year-round. According to Lu Gang, a local wetland expert, it is rare to see such an extensive area of these flowers in the water, giving the area intrinsic value.
He hoped that surrounding farming households could reduce pollution of agriculture and aquaculture and the local government could build supporting facilities to protect the endangered species and develop a beautiful village in the area.
A large area of ottelia cordata is found in Longqiao town, Haikou, on Dec 4. [Photo by Zhang Mao/hinews.cn]
Ottelia cordata, with its pure-white petals and flaxen stamens, blooms year-round. [Photo by Zhang Mao/hinews.cn]
Overview
Haikou 
Sanya 
