- Aponogeton rigidifolius
Taxobox
name = "Aponogeton rigidifolius"
regnum =Plant ae
ordo =Alismatales
familia =Aponogetonaceae
genus = "Aponogeton "
species = "A. rigidifolius"
binomial = "Aponogeton rigidifolius"
binomial_authority = van BruggenOrigin
Native to
Sri Lanka . In the wild it grows in deep water at temperatures of 68 to 77F (20 - 25C) in sandy soil with the water pH at 7.2. [ Rataj, Dr. K and Horeman T.J. Aquarium Plants, TFH, 1977]Description
The creeping
rhizome is cylindrical and about .5 inch (1cm) thick. Theleaves stay submerse, are firm (almost leather-like and seem immune to most fish and snails) about 8 to 23 inches long (20 - 60cm) and 1 to 1.6 inches wide (2.5 - 4cm). The margins of theleaves are flat to slightly undulate with a distinct midrib. In colour they are a dark green to reddish colour.The
infloresence has a single spike with whiteflowers and smallfruits .Cultivation and uses
Unique amongst the Aponogeton's in having an elongated
rhizome rather than a tuber which creeps along the surface and from which newleaves sprout. Thisrhizome can be divided. It needs no rest period but is slow growing, though tough once established. It needs only a moderate light, tropical temperatures and will tolerate harder water than most other Aponogeton's.Not commonly available but a good plant for the middle to background of an
aquarium . Seems to rarely flower inaquariums .References
External links
* [http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/ah_main/jun1999.html Karen Randell - Aponogetons]
* [http://fins.actwin.com/aquatic-plants/month.9504/msg00188.html Flowering conditions in an aquarium]
* [http://www.aquariumarticles.com/read/?art=1799&t=Aponogeton+rigidifolius cultivation]
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