Hygrophila difformis,
commonly known as water wisteria, is an aquatic plant found in marshy habitats across the Indian subcontinent, including countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal. Here are some key details about this fascinating plant:
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Appearance:
- Water wisteria has long, thin leaves with slight serrations, giving them a delicate and feathery appearance.
- When grown underwater, it exhibits bright green, feathery fronds that can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) across.
- Its bushy appearance makes it ideal for planted tanks, where it adds interesting visual texture and provides hiding spots for fish fry or shrimp.
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Growth Characteristics:
- Water wisteria is a fast-growing plant that can reach a height of 20 to 50 cm and a width of 15 to 25 cm.
- It is often used as a background plant in aquariums, but you can also place it in the foreground or midground by trimming it shorter.
- As a nitrogen consumer, it helps maintain water quality and outcompetes algae growth.
- However, if not provided with sufficient light and nutrients, it may melt and lose its leaves initially.
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Leaf Transformation:
- Water wisteria is typically grown in commercial plant farms with its leaves and stems above water and roots submerged.
- When introduced to an aquarium, it sheds its old, emersed leaves and develops new, submersed leaves capable of drawing nutrients from the water.
- Submersed leaves are thinner, narrower, and more delicate, adapting to the underwater environment.
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Comparison with Water Sprite:
- Water sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides) has similar delicate, lacy leaves, but water sprite’s leaves are thinner and more needle-like when compared side by side.
In summary, water wisteria is a versatile and attractive aquatic plant that can enhance the aesthetics of your aquarium while contributing to water quality. Remember to provide it with the right conditions to thrive!
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