Hygrophylla Araguaia

Hygrophila Araguaia, scientific name Hygrophila lancea (formerly Hygrophila sp. “Araguaia”). There is a funny error associated with the name of this species. The plant is named after the South American Araguay River, in the basin of which it was supposed to grow. However, Professor Dieter Wasshausen of the Smithsonian Institution (Washington, USA) has established that this species actually comes from Southeast Asia and has already been described in the scientific literature, in particular in Flora of China (2011). However, the erroneous name stuck and is used to this day.

The plant forms creeping branching shoots, forming compact bushes 10–20 cm high and 6–15 wide. Regular pruning keeps the bushy shape. The leaves are narrow, ribbon-like, red-brown in color with a contrasting silvery longitudinal stripe. The above applies when grown under water. In the air, Hygrophila Araguaia takes on a slightly different appearance. The stems become erect, acquire a red-brown color, and the opposite leaves turn green and change shape to narrow-lanceolate. In favorable conditions, light purple flowers appear in the axils of the leaves. In its emersed form, it is nearly identical to another related variety, the Sarawak Hygrophila (Hygrophila lancea “Sulawesi”).

Considered a demanding plant. For normal growth and preservation of the red color of the leaves, a nutritious soil rich in iron, additional introduction of carbon dioxide and intense lighting are required. Unlike most other Hygrophiles, it grows slowly, so the growth rate will not indicate problems in cultivation.