Water Caltrop (Singoda): A Crop Grown in Water

In fruit shops, you often see black, triangular fruits called Singoda (Water Caltrop). It is a unique fruit with a hard shell and thorns that grows on vines. Unlike most plants, these vines float on water rather than growing on land.

• Cultivation: Farmers dive into ponds to plant the seeds in the mud at the bottom. The vines then grow and cover the water's surface.

• Natural Protection: The fruit is naturally green, but it turns black after being boiled. To protect itself from insects and aquatic animals, the fruit develops a very hard shell and sharp thorns on both sides.

• Uses: In some regions, green Singoda is used to make curry. When dried and ground into flour, it is known as Tapkir, which is commonly used to make dishes for religious fasting (Farali food).