[3] The low density wood of this plant is used to make hats known as pith helmets or sola topis.

It is native to Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

It is an aquatic plant and is considered a minor weed of rice paddies across its range.

[6][7][8] Aeschynomene woods feel like pieces of expanded polystyrene or even lighter, and have a corky texture.

This corky material is used to make some traditional Indian crafts and artworks, and also decorative objects for worship, etc.