Echinodorus cordifolius

Echinodorus cordifolius
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Alismatales
Family:	Alismataceae
Genus:	Echinodorus
Species:	E. cordifolius
Binomial name
	Echinodorus cordifolius; (L.) Griseb.
Synonyms
	E. radicans (Nuttall) Engelmann; Alisma cordifolia L.;

Echinodorus cordifolius, the spade-leaf sword or creeping burhead, is a species of

aquatic plants in the Alismatales. It is native to Mexico, the West Indies, Central America, South America (as far south as Paraguay) and the southeastern United States (Texas to Florida and as far north as Iowa).^[1]^[2]

Ecological aspects

Found in marshes, swamps, ditches and ponds. Blooms in the late summer to early fall.[3]

Description

Fruits oblanceolate, plump, 3--4-ribbed, abaxially 1-keeled, 2--3.5 ´ 0.9--1.5 mm; glands 3--4; beak terminal,1--1.3 mm. 2n = 22.^[4]

Echinodorus cordifolius is very easily recognized, as it is the only species with arching to decumbent inflorescences. In addition, it is the only one with papillate veins on the sepals.^[citation needed]

Cultivation

Easily cultivated in neutral to soft water and tropical to sub-tropical temperatures. Rich substrate and good light. Common in the cultivated aquarium trade.^[5]

Emersed plants readily produce

aphids. Not fussy as to water conditions, tropical aquarium temperatures. Can be grown outdoors in warmer countries, won't tolerate frost. Likes a lot of light.^[6]

Can be grown in or by the pond in warmer climes. The seeds can be sown in shallow water.^{[citation needed]}

Forms

Tropica Marble, Marble Queen has an attractive marbled leaf surface which tends to be lost in low light conditions. Tends to remain as a submerged plant longer than the type plant. Likes good substrate, CO₂ and a strong light.

ovalis is a small, orbiculate plant whose low, wide growth makes it suitable for small aquariums. Reaches a height of about 35 cm with a width of about 30 cm.

ssp. fluitans is fast-growing, suitable for large aquariums. Less likely to grow up above the water surface. If it grows large enough, it forms large leaves just under the surface instead. Reaches a height of about 40 cm.

Tropica

Gallery

Flower of Echinodorus cordifolius

References

^ "World Checklist of Selected Plant Families: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew". apps.kew.org. Retrieved 2017-01-27.
^ Biota of North America Program Image
^ https://www.gardenia.net/plant/echinodorus-cordifolius4^{[permanent dead link]} . Gardenia site
^ https://www.gardenia.net/plant/echinodorus-cordifolius4^{[permanent dead link]} . Gardenia site
^ https://www.rayagarden.com/garden-plants/echinodorus-grandiflorus-profile.html . Raya site
^ . Brown, Phillip. "The Mud King : Echinodorus cordifolius", Tropical Fish Hobbyist, October 2007, vol LVI (2) #619

External links

Drawing
Echinodorus site
Tropica Marble Queen
Illustrations Archived 2007-02-19 at the Wayback Machine
Alabama plants - illustrated

[1] "World Checklist of Selected Plant Families: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew". apps.kew.org. Retrieved 2017-01-27.

[2] Biota of North America Program Image

[3] ttps://www.gardenia.net/plant/echinodorus-cordifolius4^{[permanent dead link]} . Gardenia site

[4] ttps://www.gardenia.net/plant/echinodorus-cordifolius4^{[permanent dead link]} . Gardenia site

[5] ttps://www.rayagarden.com/garden-plants/echinodorus-grandiflorus-profile.html . Raya site

[6] . Brown, Phillip. "The Mud King : Echinodorus cordifolius", Tropical Fish Hobbyist, October 2007, vol LVI (2) #619

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