- Hottonia palustris
Taxobox
name = Water violet
image_width = 240px
regnum =Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis =Magnoliopsida
ordo =Ericales
familia =Primulaceae
genus = "Hottonia "
species = "H. palustris"
binomial = "Hottonia palustris"
binomial_authority = L."Hottonia palustris" (Water Violet, Featherfoil) of the family
Primulaceae is anaquatic plant Distribution
Europe and northernAsia Description
This plant has a stem reaching up to 80 cm in height. Its basal
root s are buried in the underlying mud while other silvery, shiny roots dangle freely in the water. The leaves are deeply divided as far as the central vein, like the teeth of a double comb, and are completely submerged, but if there is a drastic fall in the water level they can surface. The leaves are alternate or connected to the stem in more of less regular whorls.Flowers from May to June. The flowers arehermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects, Cleistogomy (self-pollinating without flowers ever opening). The plant is self-fertile.Cultivation
Naturally a bog / marsh plant and most plants sold have been grown emerse and need to be submerged in stages in the
aquarium to encourage it to adapt and form submerseleaf forms. Can be kept in the cool or tropicalaquarium . Give a good substrate, light and if possible additional CO2. Can be grown in or around thepond . Considered a good oxygenator for thepond and its bushyleaves provide protection for fish and fry. Can be grown floating as well. Sunny spot.References
* Clapham, A.R., Tutin, T.G. and Warburg, E.F. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962
* Bowler, P., 2002, Water Violet, British Wildlife, Volume 13, No 5: 325 (Colour photograph)External links
* [http://www.plantpress.com/wildlife/o847-waterviolet.php Natural England]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/11748.shtml BBC Gardening]
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