Commonly known as Water Mimosa, scientific name Neptunia oleracea. This is an aquatic plant and looks very similar to Mimosa pudica or Touch Me Not Plant except this plant develop a spongy air filled tissues on the stem and not thorns.
Most importantly, this plants is edible and the stem inside that is covered by the spongy air filled is edible too. The young leaves and stems can be eaten raw or along with chilli sauce(chutney) or along with Morokmetpa (chilli sauce with fermented fish).
This plant is cultivated mostly in South East Asian countries and grows on the banks or margins of water bodies and then spreads out over the water surface.
In Manipur, it is commonly found in the water bodies at the valleys, it is abundant in the vicinity of Loktak Lake too.
It is said to have its medicinal value too(which I am not sure or proven), the leaves are considered to be cathartic, astringent and antiseptic properties.
by Jacob L Pulamte
Gastronomic Journey 