noun
Potamogeton distinctus; a species of pondweed
A specific aquatic plant native to East Asia, often found in ponds and slow-moving water. The name is usually written in katakana.
池の水面にヒルムシロが広がっている。
Potamogeton distinctus is spreading across the surface of the pond.
ヒルムシロは水田にもよく見られる水草だ。
Potamogeton distinctus is an aquatic plant often seen in rice paddies as well.
The name ヒルムシロ is of Japanese origin, but its exact derivation is uncertain. The kanji 蛭蓆 literally mean 'leech mat', possibly referring to the plant's appearance or habitat.