Nymphoides aquatica
Nymphoides aquatica | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Asterales |
Family: | Menyanthaceae |
Genus: | Nymphoides |
Species: | N. aquatica
|
Binomial name | |
Nymphoides aquatica (J.F.Gmel.) Kuntze
|
Nymphoides aquatica is an aquatic plant in the Menyanthaceae, native to the southeastern United States from Texas to Maryland.[1][2] It is known variously as the banana plant, banana lily, and the big floatingheart. It is most commonly called the banana plant because of its banana-shaped roots. These unusual roots store nutrients.
Origins
This species is most commonly found in Florida in calm, slow moving rivers and lakes. It is also found elsewhere in the Southern United States, including Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. It has been named by the State of Maryland as an endangered species.[citation needed]
Description
Cultivation
It is unusual in that it can be grown rooted or as a floating plant. It prefers a bright light and a tropical temperature range.
It can be propagated from the runners that arise naturally or by dividing the rootstock. Although a
In the aquarium
Banana plants are common aquarium plants, often being grown as fillers or specimen plants because of their unusual shape. Banana plants should have a third of the larger banana shaped roots buried in the gravel. The plant will also put out normal shaped roots. The lowermost leaves grow 15–46 cm tall and frequently the plant will produce a floating lily-leaf at the surface. Given optimal conditions, this plant will commonly flower in the tank. It requires minimal lighting, but does best in high to bright conditions. Propagation in an aquarium is usually accomplished by clipping a mature leaf and re-planting when roots emerge.[4]
References
- ^ Altervista Flora of North America, Nymphoides aquatica (J.F. Gmel.) Kuntze
- ^ Ward, D. B. 2007. Thomas Walter typification project, IV: neotypes and epitypes for 43 Walter names, of genera A through C. J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 1(2): 1091–1100
- ^ Nymphoidesaquatica/
- ^ a b c Greg and Sue Speichert, Encyclopedia of Water Garden Plants, Timber Press (2004)
- S2CID 83643283.