Villarsia

Villarsia, a genus of plants of the natural order Gentianaceæ, the species of which are widely distributed over the world, and are either aquatic or marsh plants, with entire leaves and yellow flowers. V. (Limnanthemum) nymphæoides is a native of England, but rare; it is more common in many parts of Europe, from Denmark to the Mediterranean, and is very abundant in Holland, often covering large tracts of the canals with its beautiful flowers and leaves. V. indica is regarded as a valuable medicine in India, being given internally to persons bitten by cobra. Several species from South Africa and Australia are cultivated in British aquariums for the beauty of their flowers.