Ludwigia floating

Ludwigia floating, scientific name Ludwigia helminthorrhiza. Native to tropical America. The natural habitat extends from Mexico to Paraguay. Grows mainly as a floating plant, found in lakes and swamps, can also cover coastal silty soils, in which case the stem becomes more robust tree-like.

Rarely found in home aquaria due to its size and high growth requirements. But it can often be seen in botanical gardens.

In favorable conditions, it develops a long branching stem with rounded bright green leaves. Small roots grow from the axils of the leaves. Buoyancy is provided by special white “bags” made of spongy fabric filled with air. They are located along with the roots. They bloom with beautiful white flowers with five petals. Propagation occurs by means of cuttings.

Can be considered as a plant for a pond or other open water. It is considered a good alternative to the Water Hyacinth, which has been banned from sale in Europe since 2017 due to the threat of ending up in the wild.