|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| Accessory Aquatic Plants |
Myriophyllum-Also called Water-Milfoil. A feathery, dark-green
plant much like Cabomba in size, manner of propagation, and appearance, but finer, bushier, and more delicate. A good oxygenator, and the
fish eat it. The extremely fine, hairlike leaves are excellent to receive
the spawn of goldfish. A number of forms grow wild throughout the
country.
proserpinacoides-Also listed as Parrots-Feather, and quite aptly.
This is a partially submerged form with a profusion of delicate,
feathery, blue-green plumes that trail across the surface of the water. It is very pretty around the bases of other plants and is widely
used in fountain basins.
verticillatunir-Generally considered the best American species, thriving in both deep and shallow ponds of the United States and
southern Canada.
Sagittaria-A fine oxygenator and a free, strong grower, used widely
in commercial aquariums. The plant is dark green, with long, grasslike
leaves. There are a number of species in the United States, several large
enough to break the surface of the water. When they do, they produce
tiny, cup-shaped white flowers with yellow centers. The plant reproduces principally by runners. It also develops small tubers among its
roots, particularly when it is crowded, and these, too, produce new
plants.
gigantea-The largest submerged form in popular usage, growing to
10 to 15 inches. Much used in large commercial aquariums, for it
will stand up under rough treatment from fish nets.
natans-Sometimes called Ribbon Arrowhead. Perhaps the most important form of the group. Grows to 9 to 10 inches, and all year
around, releasing a tremendous amount of oxygen. Has a purifying influence that endears it to aquarium owners. Like a scavenger,
it feeds upon whatever waste settles to the bottom, and the soil or
sand in which it is planted never turns sour.
subulata-A miniature form, 3 to 7 inches when full grown. A very
free grower, spreading by runners. Eventually will cover an entire
pond bottom, providing a good spawning ground for adult fish and
a safe cover for the young.
Vallisneria spiralis-Also known as Channel-Grass, Eel-Grass, Tape-Grass. There isn't a better oxygenator. The long, ribbonlike fohage re-
sembles that of Sagittaria, although of lighter green and semitransparent, also straighter, with less tendency to spread. Sometimes grows to
2 feet, the longer leaves trailing on the water. There are two sexes of
the form, and each reproduces in two ways: by runners, producing
small plants of its own sex; and by seed, through cross-fertilization. The
female plant produces a small, cup-shaped white flower, which floats on
the water at the end of a long, spiral stem.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
