Aponogeton crispus

Taxobox
name = "Aponogeton crispus"


image_width = 200px
image_caption = Foliage
regnum = Plantae
ordo = Alismatales
familia = Aponogetonaceae
genus = "Aponogeton"
species = "A. crispus"
binomial = "Aponogeton crispus"
binomial_authority = Thunberg (1781)

Common Name

Ruffled / Wavy-edged Sword Plant; Crinkled Aponogeton

Origin

Native to Sri Lanka in southeastern Asia, where it usually occurs in seasonal ponds, becoming dormant in the dry season.Tropica: [http://www.tropica.dk/productcard_1.asp?id=083 "Aponogeton crispus"] ] Found naturally in still and running waters.

Description

It is a submerged aquatic plant with a round rhizome 2–3 cm in diameter. The leaves are light green to olive green-brown, 8 - 14 inches (20-35cm) long and 2.5 inches (6cm) broad, with a wavy margin and a petiole up to 18 inches (45cm) long (wild plants tend to have longer and narrower leaves than the cultivated varieties. No floating leaves are formed. The flowers are produced on an erect stem up to 80 cm tall with an apical white (- pink) spike-like raceme up to 18 cm long; each flower is small, with a 2 mm perianth and six stamens. The flowers are scented and a flowering spike will last 1 - 2 weeks. The seeds are elliptical, 5-6 mm long and 2 mm diameter.

Many plants sold in the aquarium trade are actually hybrids and many are sterile. The genuine plant never has leaves that float on the surface of the water.

Cultivation and uses

"Aponogeton crispus" is often cultivated as an aquarium plant and is probably the easiest and most robust of the "Aponogetons". It requires a mineral-rich substrate and growth is always best in soft, slightly acidic water. It prefers moderate to bright lighting from above.

When these conditions are met a mass of leaves will be formed and flowering occur. Propagation is by seed or by carefully splitting the rhizome.

The seeds have two prolongations which in horizontal position get curved and stuck into the ground forming the roots. It doesn't normally need a dormant period under aquarium conditions but will sometimes lose its larger leaves and can be rested in cooler water for about two months. It prefers a bright light and will tolerate a wide temperature range, c. 15 - 32C. Does better planted in an established aquarium because of its liking for a nutriment rich environment.

Flowers can be pollinated with a soft brush and the resulting seeds sown in a propogater at normal room temperatures. They take several weeks to germinate. When both leaves and roots can be seen they can be potted in a peat-based compost and covered with water.

References

External links

* [http://www.tropica.dk/productcard_1.asp?id=083 Tropica]
* [http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/Plants/apons-randall.html Krib article]