Page 200 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

198 FRESHWATER PLANT DIRECTORY

Anubias barteri
Barter’s Anubias

ORIGINS West Africa, occurring in Nigeria, Gabon, Ivory
Coast, and Cameroon.
SIZE Leaves may be up to 12 in (30 cm) long.
WATER Temperature 72–77°F (22–25°C); hard
(100–150 mg/l) and around neutral (pH 6.0–7.5).
PROPAGATION Divide the rhizome and transplant the
pieces to different areas of the tank.
A number of local strains of this plant occur
throughout West Africa. The smallest is the Dwarf
Anubias (A. b. var. nana), pictured right, which
is widely cultivated for aquarium use because
of its compact shape. The relatively thick
leaves are about 2 in (5 cm) across, and
the stalks are of a similar length. The
largest variety, the Lance-Leaf Anubias
(A. b. var. lanceolata), has long, narrow
leaves. Barter’s Anubias is slow-growing
and benefits from a substrate fertilizer. It grows
from a rhizome, which should not be buried but
simply left on the substrate, where its roots will
spread out. It is thus possible to anchor this plant
to tank decor such as bogwood. The plant’s low
height makes it ideal for the front of a tank, and
it will thrive under subdued lighting. Its spathe
flower, which is produced above the water’s
surface, is unlikely to yield fertile seed.

Hygrophila polysperma Shinnersia rivularis Vallisneria tortifolia
Dwarf Hygrophila Mexican Oak-Leaf Plant Twisted Vallisneria

ORIGINS Occurs in southern Asia; particularly common ORIGINS Central America, where its distribution is ORIGINS Probably southern Europe. Now occurs widely
in many parts of India. restricted to Mexico. in tropical and subtropical localities.
SIZE May reach 10 in (25 cm) or so in height. SIZE May reach 12 in (30 cm) in height. SIZE Leaves typically measure up to 8 in (20 cm) long.
WATER Temperature 59–86°F (15–30°C); hard WATER Temperature 68–79°F (20–26°C); hard WATER Temperature 72–82°F (22–28°C); hard
(100–150 mg/l) and around neutral (pH 6.5–7.5). (100–150 mg/l) and around neutral (pH 6.5–7.5). (100–150 mg/l) and around neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
PROPAGATION Take cuttings using the lower leaves that PROPAGATION Can be grown either from cuttings or by PROPAGATION Split off the runners produced by
are trimmed off before the plants are set in place. transplanting runners. established plants.
Dwarf Hygrophilia is one of the most adaptable and It is unclear whether this plant is a hybrid or a
easily cultivated of all aquarium plants. The long, natural variant of the Straight Vallisneria (V. spiralis).
green leaves sometimes develop red tips when the Allow space between the plants so that light can
plant is kept in brightly lit surroundings. This fast- penetrate: this is vital for their growth.
spreading plant will provide valuable cover in the A larger form is the Asiatic
tank, although its growth may be curbed if snails Vallisneria (V. asiatica), which
attack the leaves before it becomes established. has serrated leaf edges.

Long,
twisted,
ribbonlike
leaves
The stems of this plant, which grows upright when
submerged, are thick and robust. The tooth-edged,
oaklike leaves vary in color from light to dark
green. Groups planted near the back of the tank
look very attractive. Easy to establish, the Mexican
Oak-Leaf Plant thrives not only in brightly lit
conditions but also under more subdued lighting.

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