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Submerged Oxygenating Aquatics |
Limnophila is the name of a genus of plants which is most
useful for indoor aquariums, some requiring a water tempera-
ture around seventy degrees Fahrenheit. Small flowers are pro-
duced from the leaf axils, mostly in shades of blue some having
traces of pink or white. One or two species, including L.
heterophylla, are of value because fish like to eat the foliage.
Lobelia dortmanna is the Water Lobelia and, although a
British plant, is quite uncommon. It produces low-growing
tufts of bright green foliage and dainty pale lavender-blue
flowers on wire-like stems well above the water.
Myriophyllum is often known as Water Milfoil, its Latin
name indicating that the foliage is very much divided. Apart
from its value for oxygenating purposes, this family of plants
is liked by fish since the underwater growths prove excellent
as a hiding place at spawning time. There are species for grow-
ing in both cold and warm water. They like light and are
easy to propagate, for if quite small portions are broken off and
inserted in the soil at the bottom of the pool or aquarium, they
will soon make roots.
M. alterniflorium is a fairly common species with fine foliage.
M. heterophyllum is notable because of the bronzy-red tones
which show in the leaves when the plant is grown in the light.
Under dull conditions the leaves remain green.
M. pinnatum is excellent for the warm water tank having
bronzy foliage and small purple flowers.
M. spicatum has whorls of bronzy-green leaves of which the
lower ones are inclined to fall off leaving portions of bare stem.
M; verticillatum also forms whorls of finely-divided green
foliage and frequently produces quite small greenish flowers.
Oenanthe fluviatilis has finely-cut foliage. Although it is
recognised as a good oxygenating plant it is said to be harmful
if eaten by animals should they devour it when they drink
from ponds where this plant is growing. The flowers which
arise above the water surface, have a slight scent.
Pilularia globulifera, the Pillwort or Pepper-wort, has tufts of
hair-like foliage, which at first is curled but gradually assumes
an upright appearance. It forms little spore cases about the
size of a small pea. These split when ripe and are a means of
propagation.
Potamogeton is the name of a large genus of plants often
referred to as Pondweeds. From this common name, it will be
assumed that at least some species are of weedy habit and it
is never wise to let diem grow unchecked.
Several, however, are quite good oxygenators and a few arc
always useful in ponds or pools of any size.
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