bristly echinodorus

Echinodorus profusely flowering or Bristle Echinodorus, scientific name Echinodorus floribundus. It is often sold under a different name Echinodorus grandiflorus (Echinodorus grandiflorus), which in turn is an independent species and is rarely used in aquariums. In a number of sources, both names are used as synonyms.

The plant is native to Central and South America. The natural distribution range extends from the southern regions of Mexico to the north of Argentina. It grows on moist and damp soil along the banks of rivers, ponds and lakes, in water meadows.

Echinodorus profusely flowering forms a large bush about a meter high, consisting of wide leaves on long petioles, collected in a rosette turning into a thick strong creeping rhizome. Heart-shaped leaf blades reach about 30 cm. Varieties of this plant, which come from equatorial regions, have a smooth surface of leaf petioles. If the variety is from the subequatorial belt, then the petioles are covered with numerous bristles. In favorable conditions, a tall arrow grows from the center of the plant (sometimes up to 2 meters in height) – a flowering stem with several branches. The flowers are quite large, about 3-4 cm in diameter. In total, an arrow can give several dozen flowers.

This type of echinodorus is not the best suited for aquariums. Young plants can be cultivated submerged in water for some time, but soon the sprouts will reach the surface, leaving only a “palisade” of petioles under water. The most successful place for growth will be open ponds with nutrient-rich substrates. During the summer months, Bristle Echinodorus can grow successfully outdoors.