Gratiola viscidula

Gratiola viscidula, scientific name Gratiola viscidula. The plant is native to North America, the natural habitat extends from the southern states of the United States to Canada. It grows everywhere in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, ditches near settlements.

It is a closely related species to the European Avran officinalis and Avran virgin. All of them belong to the genus Gratiola and have been used in aquariums relatively recently, since 2011-12. At present Grathiola viscidula is cultivated in many nurseries and is available commercially on a regular basis.

Under water, the plant forms compact “pillows” of numerous thick “thorny” shoots. Each stem is approximately 1–2 cm thick and can reach 20 cm if not pruned. The leaves are bright green, narrow, short, pointed, reminiscent of thorns.

The unusual appearance and ease of cultivation have made this species popular with both the amateur and professional aquarist in planted aquaria. Being native to temperate shirok can withstand low temperatures. It grows slowly, in a favorable environment for a month adds 3-5 cm in height. Any lighting, but excessive shading should not be allowed. It is recommended to introduce carbon dioxide and keep it at a level of 6 to 25 mg/l.