Ammannia senegalensis

Ammannia senegalensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Myrtales
Family:	Lythraceae
Genus:	Ammannia
Species:	A. senegalensis
Binomial name
Ammannia senegalensis Lam.

Ammannia senegalensis, also known as copper leaf ammania, is a flowering plant native to western Senegal, often growing as a weed in rice paddies.

Stem opposite leaves, starting out green and rather broad, later they become more narrow and reddish in colour. The leaves become more red under intense light. There are several forms available differing in leaf shape and colour of unknown status.

The flowers are inconspicuous growing from the leaf axils of emerse plants.

Cultivation

These plants prefer much light for optimum growth. They can grow quickly in the right conditions and will grow emerse if the water is shallow enough. They grow well with additional carbon dioxide added to the water. Ideal water conditions are soft and acidic but these plants are generally hardy and adaptable in most moderate conditions. To grow well they need a good iron micronutrient added to the aquarium.

They can be easily propagated by cuttings pushed into the substrate.

Bibliography

• Turrill, W. B. et al., eds. 1952–. Flora of Tropical East Africa.

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