Thypodolus

Common pinewort, scientific name Hydrocotyle vulgaris. A plant widely distributed throughout Europe. It is also found in North Africa and the Middle East. It grows along the banks of water bodies (lakes, backwaters of rivers, swamps), as well as in shallow water in a submerged state. When in water, the leaves sometimes float on the surface like water lilies.

Usually supplied as a plant for garden ponds, although it is quite suitable for a home aquarium. It is almost identical to its American relative, the whorled silverwort, both in terms of cultivation and appearance. Both species form stems creeping along the surface, on which miniature umbrella leaves grow on thin petioles. In whorls of leaves, additional roots are formed. This similarity predetermined confusion when two different species can be sold under the same name. According to the description in the book “Guide to Alien Plants of Belgium”, the true Common Califolia differs from other species in that it prefers wetter places, has 7-9 veins per leaf (instead of 9-13), and petioles cover thin villi.

This plant is a good choice for cool water aquariums. At relatively low temperatures and high light levels, dense dense clusters form. If the water is warm, then the stems are strongly stretched, increasing the internodes, so the plant looks like it has been thinned out. Otherwise, it is a completely unpretentious species, able to adapt to various growing conditions.