Echinodorus cordifolius
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| Echinodorus cordifolius (L.) Griseb |
The Spade Leaf Sword, Creeping burhead is a plant found in wetlands in Mexico and North America
Synonyms : E. radicans (Nuttall) Engelmann; Alisma cordifolia Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 1: 343. 1753
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[edit] Description
Herbs, perennial, stout, to 100 cm; rhizomes present. Leaves emersed, submersed leaves mostly absent; petiole 5--6-ridged, 17.5--45 cm; blade with translucent markings distinct lines, ovate to elliptic, 6.5--32 ´ 2.5--19.1 cm, base truncate to cordate. Inflorescences racemes, of 3--9 whorls, each 3--15-flowered, decumbent to arching, to 62 ´ 8--18 cm, often proliferating; peduncles terete, 35--56 cm; rachis triangular; bracts distinct, subulate, 10--21 mm, coarse, margins coarse; pedicels erect to ascending, 2.1--7.5 cm. Flowers to 25 mm wide; sepals spreading, 10--12-veined, veins papillate; petals not clawed; stamens 22; anthers versatile; pistils 200--250. Fruits oblanceolate, plump, 3--4-ribbed, abaxially 1-keeled, 2--3.5 ´ 0.9--1.5 mm; glands 3--4; beak terminal,1--1.3 mm. 2n = 22.
Echinodorus cordifolius is very easily determined, as it is the only species with arching to decumbent inflorescences. In addition, it is the only one with papillate veins on the sepals.
[edit] Distribution
In USA it occurs in the southeastern states, to Virginia, Illinois and Texas. It is also found in Mexico and the northern states of South America.
[edit] Ecological aspects
Found in marshes, swamps and ponds. Blooms in the late summer to early fall.
[edit] Cultivation
Easily cultivated in neutral to soft water and tropical to sub-tropical temperatures. Rich substrate and good light. Common in the cultivated aquarium trade. Emersed plants readily produce seeds but can be grown submersed as well. Most plants sold are grown emersed on plant farms. Once submerged, leaves may die off before underwater leaves develop. In the aquarium grow in the background as a specimen plant. Will soon outgrow a smaller aquarium. CO2 infusion helps stronger growth.
Can be grown in or by the pond in warmer climes. The seeds can be sown in shallow water.
[edit] Forms
Tropica Marble has an attractive marbled leaf surface which tends to be lost in low light conditions. Tends to remain as a submerged plant longer than the type plant. Likes good substrate, CO2 and a strong light. Cultivated by Oriental Aquarium in Singapore.
ovalis is a small, orbiculate plant whose low, wide growth makes it suitable for small aquariums. Reaches a height of about 35cm with a width of about 30 cm.
ssp. fluitans is fast-growing, suitable for large aquariums. Less likely to grow up above the water surface. If it grows large enough, it forms large leaves just under the surface instead. Reaches a height of about 40cm.
