Echinodorus ovalis

Taxobox
color = lightgreen
name = Echinodorus ovalis
regnum = Plant
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Alismatales
familia = Alismataceae
genus = "Echinodorus"
species = "E. ovalis"
binomial = "Echinodorus ovalis"
binomial_authority = Wright in Sauvalle Fl. Cub. 564, 1871

In Rataj's taxonomy "Echinodorus ovalis" is in Section Cordifolii, Subgenus Echinodorus.Obviously related to "Echinodorus cordifolius" and listed by some authorities and importers as a synonym of that species, eg. "E. cordifolius 'ovalis"'.

Description

Leaves 40 - 50 cm long, blades ovate or oval, at the tip blunt, at the base decurrent or abrupt, 7.5 - 19 cm long x 3 - 10 cm wide, trimmed with very distinct pelucid lines.

Stem prostrate, 80 - 90 cm long, proliferous. Inflorescence racemose, having 4 - (6) whorls. Bracts shorter than pedicels, 0.8 - 1.5 cm long, shallowly connate, pedicels about 4.5 cm long. Sepals with smooth ribs quite unlike the muricate (warty) ribs of the similar E. cordifolius. Achenes probably with 3 facial glands.

Most specimens seem to have few flowers.

Distribution

Cuba

Cultivation

Easy to cultivate and suitable for the smaller aquarium. Prefers a moderate to good light and a reasonably rich substrate. The flower stem will root naturally in submersed conditions.

External links

* [http://www.echinodorus-online.de/Deutsch/Arten/ovalis/ovalis.html Echinodorus site - photograph only]
* [http://www.tropica.dk/productcard_1.asp?id=073A Tropica]