Robinson’s Aponogeton

Aponogeton Robinson, scientific name Aponogeton robinsonii. Comes from Southeast Asia from the territory of modern Vietnam and Laos. In nature, it grows in reservoirs with a shallow current and stagnant muddy water on stony soils in a submerged state. It has been available in the aquarium hobby since 1981 when it was first introduced to Germany as an aquarium plant.

Two forms of Robinson’s Aponogeton are commercially available. The first has narrow green or brownish ribbon-like leaves on short petioles that grow exclusively under water. The second has similar underwater leaves, but thanks to long petioles it grows to the surface, where the leaves change and begin to resemble a strongly elongated ellipse in shape. In the surface position, flowers are often formed, however, of a rather specific type.

The first form is usually used in aquariums, while the second is more common in open ponds. This plant is easy to maintain. It does not need additional introduction of fertilizers and carbon dioxide, it is able to accumulate nutrients in the tuber and thereby wait out a possible worsening of conditions. Recommended for beginner aquarists.