Echinodorus red special

Genus: Proserpinaca Family: Halograceae ? Commonly called mermaid weed from watermilfoil family Halograceae to which another genus belongs, the very popular Myriophyllum. The genus Proserpinaca,? is a small one comprising only 2 or 3 species which are ?native to eastern North America and West Indies.? This genus can be easily distinguished from Myriophyllum by having only 3 stamens and 3 carpels per flower while? ?the latter having 4 or 8 Proserpinaca palustris A very beautiful plant which can adapt to terrestrial as well as underwater life. The leaves of emergent ones are elliptical, green and with serrated margins. When grow underwater, the leaf colour will become yellowish brown to pink and the leaf margin develops appendage like extensions. This unique shape of the leaves is really stunning and make this plant a popular choice to any hobbyist. This plant is not so demanding and even a novice can try it. However, nutrient addition and CO2 injection are necessary to maintain its vigour. Midground setting is often preferred.

Rotala sp ?Nanjeshan? A native of Taiwan, but endemic to an island in Taiwan, Nanjean or Najean. This plant is believed to be a natural hybrid between R. rotundifoila and R. wallichi.? The emergent leaves are green in colour and narrower. Even though it looks like R. wallichi at first glance, in close scrutin , it can be realized that the leaves are much boarder than that of R. wallichi. The submerged leaves turn yellowish green with a pink hue under bright light. Under submerged conditions, the leaves are narrowly lanceolate. The leaves of R. wallichi will be needle shaped and dark pink when the plant adapts to submerged conditions. A good choice for midground position in aquarium. Good light, nutrient rich substrate and CO2 injection can promote bushy growth. An easy plant it is.

Pogostemon helferi Pogostemon helferi forms a dense carpet in the fore ground of the aquarium. It needs high light. Optimum temperature is 20-25’C. Growth is best in medium hard water with a neutral to alkaline Ph-value.