spiny water nymph; spiny naiad; holly-leaved naiad
An aquatic plant, Najas marina, with spiny leaves. The name is usually written in katakana.
The spiny water nymph is an aquatic plant that grows in lakes and ponds.
The leaves of the spiny water nymph have small spines.
Katakana spelling is common for this plant name; usually written in kana.
Kanji form is rare and mainly used in botanical contexts.
The name likely derives from 茨 (ibara, 'thorn') and 藻 (mo, 'algae/water plant'), referring to the plant's spiny leaves. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.