Thyme sibtorpioides

Sibthorpioides, scientific name Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides. The natural habitat extends to tropical Africa and Asia. It is found everywhere, both on wet soils and under water in streams, rivers, swamps.

There is some confusion with the names. In Europe, the name Trifoliate is sometimes used as a synonym – both plants are similar to each other in the form of leaves, but belong to different species. In Japan and other Asian countries, it is more commonly known as Hydrocotyle maritima, which is more of a collective name for the shieldworts used in the aquarium trade.

The plant forms a long creeping (creeping) branching stem with numerous small leaves (1–2 cm in diameter) on a thin stem. Additional roots grow from the axils of the leaves, helping to attach to the ground or any surface. Thanks to the roots, the sibtorpioides is able to “climb” snags. The leaf blade has a barely noticeable division into 3–5 fragments, the edge of each is split.

When growing, it is important to provide a high level of lighting and the introduction of carbon dioxide, which promotes active growth. The presence of nutrient soil is welcome, it is advisable to use specialized aquarium soil containing the necessary nutrients.