Aponogeton rigidifolius
From The Plant Encyclopedia
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Aponogeton rigidifolius | |
| Category | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | |
| Class | |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Aponogetonaceae |
| Genus | Aponogeton |
| Varieties in this species | |
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Aden Earth Zone
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About
Aponogeton rigidifolius is 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.<ref> Rataj, Dr. K and Horeman T.J. Aquarium Plants, TFH, 1977</ref>
Description
The creeping rhizome is cylindrical and about .5 inch (1cm) thick. The leaves 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 the leaves are flat to slightly undulate with a distinct midrib. In colour they are a dark green to reddish colour. The inflorescence has a single spike with white flowers and small fruits.<ref>van Bruggen, H. W. E. (1962). "Aponogeton rigidifolius H. Bruggen sp. nov.". Meded. Bot. Tuinen Belmonte Arb. Wageningen 6: 91.</ref><ref>van Bruggen, H. W. E. (1985). "Monograph of the genus Aponogeton (Aponogetonaceae)". Bibliotheca botanica (Stuttgart: E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung) 33 (137): i-viii, 1–76. ISBN 978-3-510-48008-1. ISSN 0067-7892. http://www.schweizerbart.de/publications/detail/isbn/9783510480081/Monograph-of-the-genus-Aponogeton-Aponogetonaceae. Retrieved 2010-03-13.</ref>
Cultivation and uses
This species is unique amongst the Aponogetons in having an elongated rhizome rather than a tuber which creeps along the surface and from which new leaves sprout. This rhizome 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 Aponogetons. It is not commonly available but a good plant for the middle to background of an aquarium. It flowers rarely in aquariums.
