Hygrophila polysperma
From The Plant Encyclopedia
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Hygrophila polysperma | |
| Genus | Hygrophila (plant) |
|---|---|
| Please enter the plant name in this format: 'Latin name - Common Name' | |
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About
Hygrophila polysperma, commonly known as dwarf hygrophila, dwarf hygro, Miramar weed or Indian waterweed, is an aquatic plant in the acanthus family. It is native to India and Malaysia, and has also been introduced to the US states of Florida, Texas and possibly Virginia. <ref name=fl></ref> It is listed on the Federal Noxious Weed List in the US and is illegal to import and sell in a number of states including Kansas<ref name=Kansas></ref> and South Carolina.<ref name=SC></ref>
Cultivation and uses
Indina waterweed first appeared in the aquarium trade in 1945 under the name "oriental ludwigia".<ref name=fl/> It is easy to grow and as such a very popular plant for the tropical aquarium. It will grow even faster in good light, a nutriment rich water / substrate and it benefits from additional CO2. May need to be pruned regularly. Propagated from cuttings. An isolated leaf will often root itself.
In India, its seeds are said to be used as a medication.
References
Further reading
- Angerstein MB, Lemke DE. 1994. First records of the aquatic weed Hygrophila polysperma (Acanthaceae) from Texas. Sida 16:365-71
- Innes WT. 1947. Hygrophila, a new aquarium plant. The Aquarium 16:30-1
- Les DH, Wunderlin RP. 1981. Hygrophila polysperma (Acanthacae). Florida Scientist 44:189-92
- Schmitz DC. 1985. Hygrophila polysperma, A review of the scientific literature. Tech. report. Tallahassee: Fla. Dept. of Natural Resources. 15 pp.
- Vandiver VV. 1980. Hygrophila. Aquatics 2:4-11
