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Alternanthera Aquatica

Alternanthera Aquatica
Fast
MediumHigh
Moderate
Plant Type:
Stem; free-floating (surface)
Size:
Width: 12 - 14 cm
Carbon Dioxide (CO2):
0-40 mg/l
Temperature:
18 to 30 °C
Placement:
Midground

Alternanthera aquatica is an admirable and rather rare representative of its class. It can be discovered along riversides, lakeshores and in areas that have swamps in countries such as Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia.

This plant floats in the water and grows bulky as they tend to dig their roots deep into the muddy substrates where the nutrients are the richest. It will grow to be as long as a few feet long, allowing the leaves to rise to the surface, which in turn delivers to accompanying floating plants like Limnobium laevigatum, Phyllanthus fluitans, Eichhornia crassipes and Ludwigia helminthorrhiza room to grow and expand that is well-protected.

The internodes of Alternanthera aquatica contain air, which allows them to adapt to life underwater, and also gives the plant a "bloated" appearance.

Common names:

  • Hassler's Alternanthera

Synonyms:

  • Mogiphanes aquatica Parodi
  • Alternanthera hassleriana Chodat