Avran medicinal

Avran officinalis, scientific name Gratiola officinalis, has long been known as a medicinal plant. However, in Europe it is no longer used in traditional medicine due to the content of highly toxic glycosides. Widely distributed throughout Eurasia, including the Middle East and Central Asia, occurring everywhere around lakes, swamps, water meadows and other wet places.

It was not previously used in the aquarium hobby, as it was considered a terrestrial plant, although biologists were aware of its ability to grow under water. When submerged, this plant is markedly different from its aerial form, so aquarists did not perceive it as one species. Since 2011, Avran officinalis has gradually appeared in aquariums along with other closely related species such as Avran virginia and Gratiola viscidula. For example, he found his application in the Dutch aquascape.

Under water Avran officinalis forms a tall erect stem. New sprouts grow close to the mother plant, forming a dense “palisade” over time. With its rounded small leaves, located two on each whorl, it resembles Bacopa. Like any marsh plant, it is not whimsical, perfectly adapts to a wide range of temperatures and light levels. The only thing worth paying attention to is soft nutrient soil.