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Aponogeton undulatus

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#1 · (Edited)
Family: Aponogetonaceae

Common Name: Undulated Leaf Aponogeton

Origin and Habitat: India; probably also Burma, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Found in still and slowly flowing shallow waters.

Ideal position in aquarium

Suitable for the sides and rear walls especially in groups, or specimen plants mid-ground. In shorter tanks the leaves will partially float on the surface.

Lighting requirements

Moderate with balanced nutrients; in higher light supplemental CO2 and additional fertilization will be essential.

Growth rate

Slow to moderate

Minimum Tank Suggestion

20 gallon tall.

Water parameters

Soft to medium hard (< 15 dGH), acidic to slightly basic (pH below 8) water, temperature 22-28C/71-83F.

Description

This is probably the best suited Aponogeton species for the aquarium. It generally does not require a rest period like most species, is quite hardy, and propagates vegetatively--the only species to do so. Inflorescences are produced, but instead of flowers, plantlets develop from the nodes, similar to Echinodorus plants; these can be separated in about 2-6 weeks once the tuber and leaves are formed, though they frequently separate on their own. The tubers can be planted in the substrate to form new plants. The second photo below illustrates the inflorescence with plantlets.

The tuber is up to 2.5cm/1 inch in length; the medium-green ribbon-like leaves grow up to 35cm/14 inches long and have undulate margins. Floating leaves are rare but when produced can be up to 90cm/35 inches in total length.

The name Aponogeton stachyosporus assigned by de Wit is considered by a few authors to refer to this species, but it is actually a smaller version of A. undulatus having narrower leaves.

Aponogeton--the name derived from the species name Potamogeton (anagram)--is the sole genus in the Aponogetonaceae family of true aquatic plants, with 44 species (Kasselmann 2003). With the exception of A. rigidifolius that has a long, thin rhizome, all species have a tuber used to store reserves of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and minerals to carry the plant through the rest period. The leaves arise from the tuber in a rosette and are submersed or floating; only two species occasionally form emersed leaves.

The genus is endemic to the Old World and species occur in tropical and sub-tropical regions in Africa, Madagascar, India & SE Asia and Australia. Most of the popular aquarium plants are native to India and SE Asia. They readily flower in the aquarium, producing long inflorescences that extend above the surface where the flowers are borne. Seed production in the aquarium is very rare.

Most species have a rest period, coinciding with the dry season in Africa and with temperature differences and water level changes for Asian species. Previous literature recommended removal of the tuber and dry storage for all species, but this will in fact kill the plant in some species. Proper handling of the tuber during the rest period is indicated above for this species.

There are several hybrids now available, developed for use in aquaria.

References:

Kasselmann, Christel (2003), Aquarium Plants, English edition.

Contributing Members

The following members have contributed to this profile: Byron
 

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