Hygrophila corymbosa

Taxobox


image_width = 200px
image_caption = "Hygrophila corymbosa" in an aquarium
name = Giant Hygro
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Lamiales
familia = Acanthaceae
genus = "Hygrophila"
species = "H. corymbosa"
binomial = "Hygrophila corymbosa"
binomial_authority = Lindau
synonyms =
*Nomaphila stricta

"Hygrophila corymbosa", commonly known as temple plant, starhorn or giant hygro, is an aquatic plant in the the acanthus family. It is native to South East Asia, but is grown worldwide in tropical aquariums. The plant naturally grows as an emergent, but it can survive long periods fully submerged.Fact|date=October 2007

Cultivation

"Hygrophila corymbosa" is a fast growing plant that can be frequently trimmed back. It prefers a well lit situation, a nutriment rich water and compost, and benefits from additional CO₂. If it is allowed to grow out of the aquarium, it will bear purple scented flowers, often causing the lower leaves to drop. The plant is adaptable to a variety of water conditions. There are several forms in the aquarium trade such as "red", "siamensis" and many others, that seem to be mainly ecological variants.Fact|date=October 2007

It can be easily propagated by taking cuttings and planting them in the substrate. The plant is reported to be useful for absorbing ammonium and nitrates and helping to fight algal growth.Fact|date=October 2007

External links

*commons-inline
* [http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HYCO8 USDA Plant Profile]
* [http://www.aquahobby.com/garden/e_corymbosa.php Aquahobby]
* [http://www.tropica.dk/productcard_1.asp?id=053 Tropica]
* [http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/aquainfo/hygrohila_corymbosa.html Hygrophila corymbosa "Siamensis" - illustrated]