Pistia stratiotes is a floating plant, drift, without rod, formed of a leaf rosette, 5 to 25 cm in diameter and short runner giving rise to daughter plants. A large network of fibrous roots dangling underwater. The leaves in dense rosette, sessile, broadly spatulate, fleshy, composed of a floating airy fabric. Both sides are hairy, greyish or yellowish green. Flowers are numerous, small and hidden at the base of the leaves, surrounded by a small room pale green or white leafy 7 mm long.