Cryptocoryne affinis

Cryptocoryne affinis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
Order:	Alismatales
Family:	Araceae
Subfamily:	Aroideae
Tribe:	Cryptocoryneae
Genus:	Cryptocoryne
Species:	C. affinis
Binomial name
Cryptocoryne affinis N. E. Brown ex Hooker f.

Synonyms

C. Haerteliana Jacobsen ex Millkuhn.

Distribution

SW Malay Peninsula

Description

Long lanceolate leaves 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long with an attractive bluish-green upper surface, a light green midrib and side nerves. The underside of the leaves is a deep reddish purple. The leaf stems are short in proportion to the leaf blade.

Several forms are sold in the aquarium trade differing in colour and serration of the leaf edge. Variable dependent on how it is grown and light levels. Leaves dark green above and purple to violet beneath.

Flowers may be produced even when grown completely submersed. The inflorescence reaches about 10 inches (25cm) with the spathe elongated into a purple-red, spirally-coiled blade.

Cultivation

Considered easy to cultivate. Reluctant to flower even in emersed culture. The leaves are darker in shady conditions and it will grow in moderate light in the aquarium. Doesn't seem to be fussy as to water conditions and is fine in normal tropical aquarium temperatures : 72-79F (22-26C). One of the hardiest of all the Cryptocoryne's in cultivation. Subject to 'Crypt melt' (see genus page). Sensitive to calcium and hard water.^[1]

Propagates well by runners.

Introduced to Europe by Herman Haertel, a German importer.^[2]

References

1. ^ Rataj Dr Karel and Horeman T. J., Aquarium Plants, TFH Publications (1977)
2. ^ Roe, Colin D., A Manual of Aquarium Plants, Shirley Aquatics (1967)

External links

• Crypts pages illustrations C. affinis + literature
• Common Crypt