Alternanthera aquatica

Alternanthera aquatica is a herbaceous aquatic plant from the family of the foxtail plants (Amaranthaceae). It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions and plays an important role in aquatic ecosystems. Due to its adaptability to different water conditions, species is also valued in aquaristics.

Morphology and growth form

Alternanthera aquatica is a multi -year plant with a creeping to upright growing growth shape. It often forms long, branched stems that can grow both under water and above the water surface. The stems are green to reddish and often hollow, which gives them buoyancy and stabilizes the plant in aquatic habitats.

The leaves are arranged, elongated to egg -shaped and have a leathery consistency. Under water, the leaves are often thinner and more transparent, while the leaves growing above the water surface are thicker and stronger. The leaf color ranges from light green to dark green and can take red to violet tones under certain conditions.

The flowers of Alternanthera aquatica are small, inconspicuous and whitish. They grow in armpit or terminals. The plant is hermaphrodite and self-pollinating, which enables its reproduction in isolated habitats.

Distribution and habitat

The species is at home in tropical and subtropical regions of America and occurs primarily in freshwater swamps, river courses and flood areas. It thrives in both standing and slowly flowing waters and prefers nutrient -rich soils.

Alternanthera aquatica is an amphibian plant that can grow completely under immersion as well as in damp floors or on the water surface. This versatility enables it to survive in changeable environmental conditions, as often occur in tropical regions.

Ecological meaning

The plant plays an important role in aquatic ecosystems. It offers living space and protection for a variety of aquatic organisms, including fish, amphibians and invertebrates. Their dense roots and stems help to bind sediment and improve water quality by absorbing nutrients and thus limiting algae growth.

In addition, it is Alternanthera aquatica An important oxygen supplier for water and supports ecological stability in their habitats. Their ability to remove excess nutrients from the water makes it an important part of natural sewage systems.

Use and cultivation

Because of their adaptability and attractive appearance Alternanthera aquatica often used in aquaristics. It is particularly suitable for medium-sized to large aquariums and is popular as a background and as a middle ground plant.

The cultivation of Alternanthera aquatica requires warm water with temperatures between 22 and 28 ° C and good lighting to promote strong growth and intensive leaf coloring. It grows in both nutrient -rich and nutrient -poor substrates, but benefits from regular fertilization.

Adaptation mechanisms

The plant has remarkable adaptation strategies that enable their survival in changing water levels and oxygen conditions. Their hollow stems serve as a memory for oxygen, while their leaves can train fine hairs that facilitate oxygen intake.

Thanks to their high reproductive rate through vegetative propagation, for example by foothills or broken down stem pieces, Alternanthera aquatica quickly colonize new habitats and thus become an important part of aquatic ecosystems.