Nymphoides aquatica
Nymphoides aquatica | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Division: | Magnoliophyta |
Class: | Magnoliopsida |
Order: | Asterales |
Family: | Menyanthaceae |
Genus: | Nymphoides |
Species: | N. aquatica |
Binomial name | |
Nymphoides aquatica (J.F.Gmel.) Kuntze | |
Common names
The Nymphoides aquatica is known variously as the Banana Plant, Banana Lilly, and the Big Floating Heart. It is most commonly called the Banana Plant because of its banana shaped roots. These unusual roots store nutrients.
Origins
This species is most commonly found in Florida in calm, slow moving rivers and lakes. It is also found elsewhere in the Southern United States, including Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. It has been named by the State of Maryland as an endangered species.
Description
It bears small white five-petalled flowers that arise from below the leaf.
Cultivation
It is unusual in that it can be grown rooted or as a floating plant. It prefers a bright light and a tropical temperature range.
It can be propagated from the runners that arise naturally or by dividing the rootstock. Although a perennial it is best replaced by new stock every 4 or 5 years. The rootstock should not be entirely buried in the substrate when planting. In the winter and in more shaded conditions, it forms submersed rather than floating leaves.
In The Aquarium
References
- Greg and Sue Speichert, Encyclopedia of Water Garden Plants, Timber Press (2004)