Helanthium broadleaf

Helanthium broadleaf, scientific name Helanthium bolivianum “latifolius”. Previously called Echinodorus broadleaf or Echinodorus latifolius (Echinodorus latifolius). Former obsolete name still widely used, so it can be considered a synonym. This plant is widely distributed in the tropical zone of South and Central America, where it grows mainly in wetlands of rivers.

In the immersed state, the plant has narrow pointed leaves, and when it grows, it forms a low dense green “carpet”. This is what a lawn looks like. The appearance of this plant and the word “broad-leaved” should not be misleading, since it is comparative in relation to other species of the genus Helanthium (Helanthium). In comparison with it, for example, with tender Helanthium, this species really has wider leaves. In the surface position, the leaves acquire a different lanceolate shape on a long petiole.

It is considered a simple and unpretentious plant. Able to root in a variety of substrates: sand, small pebbles, gravel etc. If grown in an aquarium with fish, then there is no need to introduce additional fertilizers.