CHEMICAL-COMPOSITION OF 2 SEMIAQUATIC PLANTS FOR FOOD USE

The seasonal variation in the nutrient composition of Enhydra fluctuan s and Marsilea quadrifolia, two edible semi-aquatic plants, was studie d in order to promote their consumption as green leafy vegetables. Bot h plants had a high crude protein content throughout all harvesting se asons. Enhydra fluctuans had a low ash content and was a good source o f beta-carotene (3.7 to 4.2 mg/100 g on a fresh weight basis). Marsile a quadrifolia exhibited wide fluctuations between seasons and was not very promising in nutrient composition when compared to other commonly used green leafy vegetables.