Alternanthera reineckii''roseafolia'' No. 023

Alternanthera reineckii''lilacina'' No. 023B

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Ceratophyllum demersum is agenuine cosmopolitan found allover the globe. It has no true rootsbut can be planted in the bottom.In the wild it is often found rooted,with the lower leaves forminganchors. As a floating plant itprovides a good hiding-place foryoung fish. C. demersum can beuseful in combating algaebecause it consumes nutrients inthe water and secretes substancesthat counteract algae. Somevarieties are difficult to transport.

Family Ceratophyllaceae Continent Cosmopolitan Region Cosmopolitan Country of origin Height 5-80+ cm Width 5-15+ cm Light requirements very low-very highTemperature 10-28 °CHardness tolerance soft-very hardpH tolerance 6-9Growth fastDemands easy

Ceratophyllum demersum No. 021

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#023 The purple colourunderneath Alternanthera reineckii''roseafolia'' leaves provides aneffective contrast to the manygreen plants in an aquarium -particularly when planted ingroups. Good light encourages theleaves to turn red. MostAlternanthera species are difficultto grow, but this one is relativelyundemanding. Easy to propagateby nipping off the terminal budand planting it in the bottom. Thisalso makes the mother plant morebushy, because more side shootsare formed.

Family AmaranthaceaeContinent South AmericaRegion South AmericaCountry of originHeight 25-50 cmWidth 10-15 cmLight requirements medium-very highTemperature 17-28 °CHardness tolerance soft-hardpH tolerance 5-8Growth mediumDemands mediumCommon Name: Red Temple

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#023B Alternanthera reineckii''lilacina'' needs plenty of light togrow and form dark-red leaves. Inopen aquariums it grows willinglyup through the surface, and likeother difficult plants growthimproves considerably if CO2 isadded. Shortage of micronutrientsresults in pale leaves. Like otherstem plants A. reineckii ''Lilacina''is best in groups.

Family AmaranthaceaeContinent South AmericaRegion South AmericaCountry of originHeight 15-40 cmWidth 10-15 cmLight requirements high-very highTemperature 17-28 °CHardness tolerance soft-mediumpH tolerance 5-7Growth slowDemands difficultCommon Name: Red Temple

Rotala wallichii No. 032A

Myriophyllumtuberculatum(red)No.037A

Echinodorus x barthii No. 072A

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#032A Rotala wallichii is ademanding plant that developsred shoot tips in good lightconditions. The most decorativeeffect can be achieved by plantinga large number of stems in agroup. R. wallichii is a goodforeground plant, and suitable forsmall aquariums because it iseasy to prune if it grows too large.

2CO addition boosts growthconsiderably. It also prefers soft,slightly acidic water.032

Family LythraceaeContinent AsiaRegion South-east AsiaCountry of originHeight10-30 cmWidth2-4+ cmLight requirements medium-very highTemperature 18-28 °CHardness tolerance very soft-mediumpH tolerance 5-7Growth fastDemands difficult

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037A The finely-branched redleaves of Myriophyllumtuberculatum make this one of themost beautiful of aquarium plants.But it makes great demands onthe light, and only thrives in a fewaquariums. A nutritious bottom

2and CO addition promote growthsignificantly. M. tuberculatum ismost beautiful when planted ingroups, but do not plant shoots tooclose because this will preventlight reaching the lower leaves.

Family Haloragaceae Continent AsiaRegion South-east AsiaCountry of originHeight 40+ cm Width 5-8 cmLight requirements very high-very highTemperature 18-29 °CHardness tolerance soft-hardpH tolerance 5-7Growth fastDemands very difficultCommon Name: Red Foxtail

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#072A Echinodorus x barthii is adecorative and beautiful solitaryplant for large aquariums. Theleaves change colour fromdark-red in the youngest leaves todark-green in the oldest. Thecolour develops well when thelight intensity is high and there aresufficient micro-nutrients in theaquarium. A nutritious bottom andCO2 addition promote growth.This plant takes a lot of light fromplants underneath, so it must bepruned occasionally. It used to besold as ''Double Red''.

Family AlismataceaeContinent South AmericaRegion CultivarCountry of originHeight 25-50 cmWidth 20-30 cmLight requirements medium-very highTemperature 16-28 °CHardness tolerance soft-hardpH tolerance 6-9Growth mediumDemands medium

Echinodorus schlueteri No. 073B

Echinodorus 'Ozelot' No.073F

Anubias barteri var. barteri No. 101A

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#073B Echinodorus schlueteri isan orbiculate ''sword'' plant whoselow, broad growth makes itsuitable for small aquariums. Theyoungest leaves have clearred-brown spots, which turn verylight in older leaves. It is generallyundemanding, but at high lightintensity the red-brown spotsbecome more strongly coloured. Anutritious bottom promotesgrowth. See Echinodorusschlueteri 'Leopard'.

Family AlismataceaeContinent South AmericaRegion South AmericaCountry of originHeight 15-25 cmWidth 15-20 cmLight requirements medium-very highTemperature 20-28 °CHardness tolerance soft-hardpH tolerance 6-8Growth mediumDemands medium

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#073F Echinodorus 'Ocelot' is adecorative hybrid betweenEchinodorus schluteri 'Leopard'and Echinodorus x barthii.Naturally, it is the elliptical blackspots on the red-brown leaves thathave given this plant the name'Ocelot'. The spots are darkest onthe youngest leaves, and unlikemany other spotted EchinodorusEchinodorus 'Ocelot' retains itsspots even at low light intensity. Itis an undemanding, good plant forbeginners.

Family AlismataceaeContinent South AmericaRegion CultivarCountry of originHeight 20-40+ cmWidth 25-30 cmLight requirements low-very highTemperature 15-30 °CHardness tolerance soft-very hardpH tolerance 6-9Growth fastDemands very easy

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#101A Anubias barteri var. barteriis an undemanding plant. It growssomewhat larger than Anubiasbarteri var. nana but is grown inthe same conditions. Anubiasbarteri varies considerably interms of size and leaf shape. Likeother Anubias species, it is bestplanted in a shady spot to restrictalgae growth on the leaves. It isalso suitable for terrariums andaquaterrariums. Herbivorous fishdo not eat the very tough androbust leaves.

Family AraceaeContinent AfricaRegion West AfricaCountry of originHeight 25-45 cmWidth 15 cmLight requirements very low-mediumTemperature 20-30 °CHardness tolerance very soft-very hardpH tolerance 5, 5-9Growth very slowDemands easy

Cryptocoryne beckettii 108

Cryptocoryne wendtii'Tropica' No. 109E

Cryptocoryne undulata''broad leaves'' No.110A

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Real Sick #108This beautiful variety with thedark, hammered leaves is namedafter 'Tropica'. When grown in anopen space the leaves willvirtually lie on the bottom. It issuitable for small aquariums. Likemost other Sri LankaCryptocorynes, it also grows wellin hard water. See otherCryptocorynes for furtherinformation.

Family AraceaeContinent AsiaRegion South-east AsiaCountry of origin Sri LankaHeight 6-10 cmWidth 8-12 cmLight requirements low-very highTemperature 20-30 °CHardness tolerance very soft-hardpH tolerance 5,5-8Growth mediumDemands very easy

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Real Sick #109E This beautiful variety withthe dark, hammered leaves isnamed after 'Tropica'. Whengrown in an open space theleaves will virtually lie on thebottom. It is suitable for smallaquariums. Like most other SriLanka Cryptocorynes, it alsogrows well in hard water. Seeother Cryptocorynes for furtherinformation.

Family AraceaeContinent AsiaRegion South-east AsiaCountry of origin Sri LankaHeight 6-10 cmWidth 8-12 cmLight requirements low-very highTemperature 20-30 °CHardness tolerance very soft-hardpH tolerance 5,5-8Growth mediumDemands very easy

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Real Sick #110A Unlike the commonCryptocoryne undulata, this planthas wider leaves and a beautiful,flecked leaf pattern. It also growslarger. It is known botanically as atriploid variety. See otherCryptocorynes for furtherinformation.

Family AraceaeContinent AsiaRegion South-east AsiaCountry of origin Sri LankaHeight 15-25+ cmWidth 10-20 cmLight requirements low-very highTemperature 20-28 °CHardness tolerance very soft-hardpH tolerance 5,5-8Growth mediumDemands easy

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Real Sick #109DThis beautiful variety ofCryptocoryne wendtii is only foundin the river Mi Oya. It hascharacteristic red-brown, slightlyhammered leaves. ManyCryptocorynes can grow at hightemperatures. In the wild this plantis found in streams with atemperature of more than 30degrees C. At even highertemperatures the light intensitymust be higher or the days longer.See other Cryptocorynes forfurther information.

Family AraceaeContinent AsiaRegion South-east AsiaCountry of origin Sri LankaHeight 25-35 cmWidth 15-30 cmLight requirements low-highTemperature 20-32 °CHardness tolerance very soft-very hardpH tolerance 5,5-8Growth slowDemands very easy

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008BMicrosorum pteropus'Windeløv' is a patented variety ofM. pteropus, named afterTropica's founder HolgerWindeløv. Its finely branched leaftips make it one of the mostbeautiful aquarium plants. A hardyand easy plant for both beginnersand the more experienced. Bestplanted on a stone or tree root(this is how Microsorum grows inthe wild). If planted in the bottomthe horizontal rhizome must notbe covered. This plant is not eatenby herbivorous fish.

Family PolypodiaceaeContinent AsiaRegion CultivarCountry of originHeight 10-20 cmWidth 12-18+ cmLight requirements very low-highTemperature 18-30 °CHardness tolerance very soft-hardpH tolerance 5-8Growth slowDemands very easy

Microsorum pteropus'Windeløv' No. 008B

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Banana lily gets its name fromits cluster of thick banana-shapedroots, located close to the leavesnear the surface of the water.Banana lily has rounded leavesthat have a notch at the base:they resemble small water lilyleaves. Banana lily leaves aregreen above and dull purplebelow. It has small whitefive-petalled flowers that arisefrom below the leaf.

TropicalpH range: 6.5 – 7.2Temperature range: 20 – 25CWater hardness: 30 – 150 ppmAvailability: Occasionally seenPropagation: Usually by vegetative means –young adventive plants spring from separateleaves or cuttingsHabitat: Famiglia Genzianacee. Provenienza Costa atlantica americaA bunch of green tubercles grow from theshort rootstock looking much like bananas ordahlia corms. These are organs where theplant stores its food reserves. An attractiveaddition to any tank which fortunately isbecoming readily available.

Nymphoides aquatica

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Hygrophila siamensisUnder water the leaves arelight-green and dense. In openaquariums Hygrophila corymbosa''Siamensis'' grows easily abovethe water surface, where it formsblue-green leaves and small blueflowers. It grows fast and theshoots must be pinched outregularly if you want to keep theplant under water. An extremelyhardy plant, suitable for beginners.

Family Acanthacea Continent Asia Region South-east Asia Country of origin Thailand Height 15-40 cm Width 15-20 cm Light requirements low-very high Temperature 20-28 ° C Hardness tolerance very soft-hard pH tolerance 5.5-8 Growth fast Demands easy

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Cryptocoryne Barbudius Family Continent Region Country of origin Height Width Light requirements Temperature Hardness tolerance pH tolerance Growth Demands

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Small foreground plants foraquariums are in short supply, butEchinodorus tenellus is one of thebest. The runners spread roundthe aquarium, and growth is morecompact when planted in a pot orbetween stones or other objects. Atrue ''lawn'' effect is only achievedat high light intensities, so youmust make sure larger plants donot overshadow the plant. Plantindividual plants a couple ofcentimetres apart (easiest with

Family Alismataceae Continent North America Region America Country of origin Height 5-10 cm Width 5-8+ cm Light requirements Medium -Very High Temperature 19-30°C Hardness tolerance Very soft- medium pH tolerance 5.5-8 Growth medium Demands Medium

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Vallisneria americana (gigantea)is an easy plant that grows fast,suitable for large aquariums. Inmost aquariums the leaves growso long that they float on thesurface. So the plant needspruning to stop it taking too muchlight from plants growing beneath.The leaves are tough and strong,so they are not normally eaten byherbivorous fish. V. americana iseasy to propagate using runners,which are prolific if the bottom is

Family Hydrocharitaceae Continent Asia Region Asia Country of origin Height 50-100+ cm Width 15+ cm Light requirements low-Very High Temperature 18-30°C Hardness tolerance soft-very hard pH tolerance 6-9.5 Growth fast Demands very easy

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Monosoleniumtenerum (''Pellia'')

Monosolenium tenerum isan attractive liverwort, which looksmost like a giant Riccia thatsimply stays at the bottom, whereit forms cushions. It is a brittleplant, and pieces break off easily,so it is best to place it in theaquarium attached to stones withfishing line or in small clumpsamong other plants such asEleocharis. Once M. tenerum hasestablished itself, it is veryundemanding. This plant ismistakenly known as Pellia.

Family MonoseleniaceaeContinent AsiaRegion AsiaCountry of origin Height 2-5+ cmWidth 3-10+ cmLight requirements very low-very highTemperature 5-28 °CHardness tolerance very soft-very hardpH tolerance 5-8Growth mediumDemands easy

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Nymphaea lotus(zenkeri)

A beautiful and very variedspecies with leaves of green tored-brown and varying numbers ofpurple spots. Before formingfloating leaves Nymphaea lotus(zenkeri) forms many underwaterleaves. If you donÆt want floatingleaves, prune the roots andleaves. The beautiful, aromaticflowers can be fully appreciated inopen aquariums. A nutritiousbottom encourages growth. Oftenavailable in a red and a greenvariety. Recommended as asolitary plant for large aquariums.

Family NymphaeaceaeContinent AfricaRegion West AfricaCountry of origin Height 20-80 cmWidth 25-60 cmLight requirements medium-very highTemperature 22-30 °CHardness tolerance very soft-hardpH tolerance 5-8Growth mediumDemands medium

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Nesaea crassicaulis

Nesaea crassicaulis is a beautifuland highly recommendedaquarium plant, although it hashigh demands for light. It hasred-brown, cognac-colouredleaves. Grows best in soft andslightly acidic water. Make surethe lower leaves get sufficientlight, otherwise they will die off.This plant is similar to Amaniaspecies and is often mistaken forthem. But in the aquarium it canbe recognised by its yellow-greenstems. Easy to propagate by sideshoots or cuttings, which can becut off and planted in the bottom.

Family LythraceaeContinent AfricaRegion AfricaCountry of origin Height 30-50 cmWidth 8+ cmLight requirements high-very highTemperature 22-28 °CHardness tolerance very soft-mediumpH tolerance 5,5-8,5Growth mediumDemands difficult

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Ludwigia inclinata var.verticillata (''Cuba'')

Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillatais cultivated in swamps, where ithas green oval leaves, but after atransitional period under water inthe aquarium it develops long,narrow leaves, growing closelytogether to give a compactappearance. These new leavesare marbled with copper andreddish brown. Slow to gainheight, the plant is found on theIsla de la Juventud off Cuba.

Family OnagraceaeContinent South AmericaRegion Country of origin CubaHeight 10-30 cmWidth 10-15 cmLight requirements medium-very highTemperature 18-28 °CHardness tolerance very soft-mediumpH tolerance 5-7,5Growth slowDemands medium

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Proserpinaca palustris''Cuba'

Cultivated above water anddelivered with saw-toothed leaves,which after a transitional period inthe aquarium develop into long,finely denticulated, needle-likeleaves. In good light conditions itturns a beautiful copper colourand its characteristic appearanceis a pleasing contrast to the otherplants. Making few demands,Proserpinaca palustris varies inform according to its origin. TheTropica cultivar is found on theIsla de la Juventud off Cuba. Inthe USA the plant is commonlyknown as ''mermaid weed''.

Family HaloragaceaeContinent North America, SouthAmericaRegion Country of origin CubaHeight 10-40 cmWidth 5-15 cmLight requirements medium-very highTemperature 10-28 °CHardness tolerance very soft-mediumpH tolerance 5-7,5Growth slowDemands medium

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Hygrophila polys.’Rosanervig’

Hygrophila polysperma'Rosanervig' is normally anundemanding plant. But if youwant deep-pink leaves you mustprovide intensive light. Thedistinctive colouring of the lightleaf ribs is probably caused by avirus which prevents chlorophyllfrom being produced in the cellsaround the leaf ribs, making themwhite. However, this virus doesnot affect other plants in theaquarium.

Family AcanthaceaeContinent Cultivar , AsiaRegion CultivarCountry of origin CultivarHeight 20-30+ cmWidth 6-10 cmLight requirements high-very highTemperature 18-28 °CHardness tolerance soft-hardpH tolerance 5-8Growth mediumDemands medium

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Hygrophila corymbosa''Compact''

A very compact variety ofHygrophila corymbosa, with theleaves set close to the stalk.Forms numerous side shoots,enhancing the compactappearance. The leaves are adark brownish green when theplant is delivered, but after atransitional period in the aquariumthey turn light green andsilver-white on the underside. Instrong light the newest leaves arereddish brown in colour and intime the oldest ones die away -especially in dimmer light. Newside shoots form often, to replacethe old.

Family AcanthaceaeContinent CultivarRegion Country of origin Height 5-15 cmWidth 5-10 cmLight requirements medium-very highTemperature 18-30 °CHardness tolerance very soft-very hardpH tolerance 5-8Growth slowDemands medium

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Eusteralis stellata(Pogostemon stellata)

Eusteralis stellata is distinguishedby its beautiful shape and colour.It is difficult to grow in aquariums.It requires intensive light and theaddition of CO2 to grow well. Theshortage of micro-nutrients leadsto pale leaves, which may be anindication that the aquarium needsfertiliser. Even in good conditionsgrowth sometimes stops suddenly.Plants in aquarium shops aregenerally low, compact plantsgrown in marshy conditions, anddo not reveal their full glory untilplanted in the aquarium.

Family LamiaceaeContinent AsiaRegion AsiaCountry of origin Height 15-25 cmWidth 10-20 cmLight requirements high-very highTemperature 22-28 °CHardness tolerance very soft-mediumpH tolerance 5-7Growth mediumDemands very difficult

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Echinodorus martii(maior)

Echinodorus martii ischaracterised by its long,light-green leaves with a flutedmargin, which are very attractivein large aquariums. It is suitablefor the hard water found in manyEuropean aquariums. A nutritiousbottom promotes growth. There issome confusion about the nameof this plant, and it has beencalled E. maior and E. martii.

Family AlismataceaeContinent South AmericaRegion South AmericaCountry of origin BrazilHeight 30-45+ cmWidth 15-30 cmLight requirements medium-very highTemperature 18-28 °CHardness tolerance medium-hardpH tolerance 5,5-8,5Growth mediumDemands easy

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Echinodorus 'Rosé'

This beautiful plant is a hybridbetween Echinodorus horemanii''Rot'' and E. horizontalis. It wasfirst produced in 1986 by H. Barthin Dessau. New underwater leavesare a beautiful pink, and initiallythe leaves have red-brown spots.A nutritious bottom promotesgrowth, but otherwise Echinodorus'Rosé' is undemanding and thusan excellent plant for beginners.

Family AlismataceaeContinent South America, CultivarRegion CultivarCountry of origin CultivarHeight 25-40 cmWidth 15-25 cmLight requirements medium-highTemperature 20-30 °CHardness tolerance soft-hardpH tolerance 5,5-8Growth mediumDemands easy

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Echinodorus 'Oriental

Echinodorus 'Oriental' is amutation, arising fromEchinodorus 'Rosé' in 1992 atOriental Aquarium in Singapore.The unusual transparent pinkcolour of the new leaves makesthe plant a speciality, offering thechance to create new colourcontrasts in the aquarium.Powerful light and a nutritiousbottom promote growth. E.'Oriental' is patented, and mayonly be produced commercially bylicence.

Family AlismataceaeContinent South America, CultivarRegion CultivarCountry of origin CultivarHeight 15-30 cmWidth 10-15 cmLight requirements high-very highTemperature 20-28 °CHardness tolerance soft-mediumpH tolerance 5,5-7,5Growth slowDemands difficult

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Echinodorus 'Rubin

Echinodorus 'Rubin' is adecorative hybrid betweenEchinodorus horemanii ''rot'' andEchinodorus x barthii. Thetransparent, ruby-red leaves withlight leaf ribs provide a particularlyintensive sheen. An undemandingplant whose growth is stimulatedby CO2 addition and a nutritiousbottom. A good solitary plant forlarge aquariums.

Family AlismataceaeContinent South America, CultivarRegion CultivarCountry of origin CultivarHeight 30-50+ cmWidth 20-40 cmLight requirements medium-very highTemperature 18-30 °CHardness tolerance soft-hardpH tolerance 5,5-8Growth mediumDemands easy

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Echinodorus 'RedDiamond'

Echinodorus 'Red Diamond'appeared as a culture in theUkraine, and is probably a crossbetween E. horemanni 'red' and E.x barthii. The resultant hybrid is anattractive plant with ruby-redsword-shaped leaves. Unlikemany of the other Echinodorusspecies, Echinodorus 'RedDiamond' remains moderate insize, so it is extremely well suitedas a solitary plant, even in smallaquariums. Increasing thenutrients in the substrate results inmore abundant growth, whilefavourable light conditionspromote the formation of theruby-red leaves.

Family AlismataceaeContinent Cultivar , South AmericaRegion South AmericaCountry of origin Height 15-25 cmWidth 20-30 cmLight requirements medium-very highTemperature 15-30 °CHardness tolerance soft-very hardpH tolerance 6-8Growth mediumDemands medium

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Anubias barteri''coffeefolia'

Anubias barteri ''coffeefolia'' is avery beautiful, low variety ofAnubias barteri. It is characteristicthat the leaves arch considerablybetween the leaf ribs, and the newleaves are red-brown. The colourcombination and leaf shape makeit an attractive variety in bothlarge and small aquariums. Itflowers frequently under water butdoes not produce seeds there.Anubias species seem to grow soslowly that they do not realise thatthey have been submerged. It isnot eaten by herbivorous fish.

Family AraceaeContinent Cultivar , AfricaRegion CultivarCountry of origin CultivarHeight 15-25 cmWidth 10+ cmLight requirements low-highTemperature 20-30 °CHardness tolerance very soft-very hardpH tolerance 5,5-9Growth very slowDemands very easy

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Cryptocoryne wendtii''green''

Cryptocoryne wendtii ''green'' issuitable for small aquariums.When grown in an open space theleaves will virtually lie on thebottom. Like most other Sri LankaCryptocorynes, it also grows wellin hard water. Like many otherplants, it can be affected bycryptocoryne disease. One way toprevent this is by only leaving the4-5 newest leaves on the plantwhen planting. It is a goodforeground plant, even in smallaquariums. See otherCryptocorynes for furtherinformation.

Family AraceaeContinent AsiaRegion South-east AsiaCountry of origin Sri LankaHeight 5-10+ cmWidth 8-10 cmLight requirements very low-highTemperature 20-30 °CHardness tolerance very soft-very hardpH tolerance 5,5-9Growth mediumDemands easy

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Cryptocorynecrispatula var.balansae

Cryptocoryne crispatula var.Balansae is the oldest knownvariety of Cryptocoryne crispatula.In the region it comes from insouthern Thailand there arelimestone mountains, and thewater can be very hard. Like manyother Cryptocorynes it needs toacclimatise before growth starts inearnest. In recent years anarrow-leaf variety calledCryptocoryne crispatula var.Flaccidifolia has often been sold.

Family AraceaeContinent AsiaRegion South-east AsiaCountry of origin ThailandHeight 20-60+ cmWidth 20-15+ cmLight requirements low-very highTemperature 20-28 °CHardness tolerance soft-very hardpH tolerance 5-9Growth mediumDemands easy