Cabomba furcata
| Cabomba furcata | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| Order: | Nymphaeales |
| Family: | Cabombaceae |
| Genus: | Cabomba |
| Species: | Cabomba furcata |
| Binomial name | |
| Cabomba furcata Schult. & Schult.f. (1830) | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Cabomba piauhyensis | |
Cabomba furcata is a species of aquatic plant in the water shield family known by the common names red cabomba and forked fanwort. It is native to South America and as far north as Cuba and the tip of Florida. It reaches a maximum height between 30 and 80 centimeters and is up to 8 centimeters wide. It bears purple flowers.
This is used as an aquarium plant. It can be difficult to grow because it requires more light than most aquariums can provide. Soft water and carbon dioxide addition are also necessary for optimum growth. It should be planted in groups, but not too close to stop sufficient light reaching the lower leaves. It can be propagated by cuttings and lateral shoots.
References
- Ørgaard, M. (1991). The genus Cabomba (Cabombaceae) - a taxonomic study. Nordic Journal of Botany 11: 179-203
- Wiersema, J. H. (1989). A new species of Cabomba (Cabombaceae) from tropical America. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 76:1167–1168.