Watershield (Brasenia schreberi J. F. Gmel.), from Popular Vegetable to Endangered Species

Abstract

Watershield (Brasenia schreberi J. F. Gmel.) is an aquatic vegetable which has been popular for more than a thousand years in China but become endangered species in recent years. It is characterized with a thick mucilage mainly composed of polysaccharides, which are believed to have both nutritional and medical values. The diminishing of watershield population in China may be caused by habitat loss, lagging cultivation and processing technology, and low genetic diversity of the species, etc. Interdisciplinary strategies and international cooperation are needed for the rejuvenation of the watershield industry.