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The Water Fountain - Floating Aquatics |
Lemna has the common names of Water Lentils, Duck's
Nest and Duckweed. Almost everyone who has grown plants
in ponds and pools will know that Duckweed can become a
real menace to the well-being of water plants. This subject
should therefore not be grown in the small water garden and
even in bigger stretches of water, it is liable to be most trouble-
some in spite of the fact that both ducks and fish seem to like
it and benefit from eating it. Small portions allowed to
develop in the indoor aquarium, are of value both because the
fish eat the fronds, and more especially because of the shade
Duckweed provides, which in turn, means that algae is avoided
and the water keeps clear. There are various species. L. minor
is the Common Duckweed, L. trisulca is the ivy-leaved form
and is of good appearance. It remains submerged except
during the summer. L. valiviana is only suitable for indoor
aquaria and has small green fronds.
Limnanthemum is a family of plants having several mem-
bers which are of attractive appearance, the literal meaning of
the name being pool or lake flower. There are quite a number
of fairly small-growing dainty species which, however, must be
kept well thinned out, so that they do not occupy more than
their allotted space. Some are to be found mentioned in cata-
logues under both limnanthemum and nymphoides and we
shall therefore refer to them as they are usually listed. Most
will be found under the latter name.
Limnanthemum trachypernum is the Fairy Water-lily with
rounded foliage as much as five inches in diameter, the under-
sides having lighter marks and spots.
Limorium is not unlike the hydrocharis and is only suit-
able for indoor aquariums where the water remains warm.
L. boscii has three-petalled, white flowers and pointed
foliage, remaining green throughout the year.
L. stoloniferium is very susceptible to damage when sub-
jected to low or changeable temperatures and is of no particular
interest to the average water gardener.
Nymphoides. Often classed under the Limnanthemums,
there are several species well worth growing.
N. indicttm is the Water Snowflake and one of the prettiest
and daintiest of floating plants. Unfortunately, it is not hardy
but it can be grown in a pan, tub or tank in the greenhouse
or even in a sunny window. Its heart-shaped leaves spread
along the surface of the water and quantities of fringed, star-
shaped white flowers about the size of a sixpence, are pro-
duced. The petals are well covered with little white hairs
giving a fringed appearance.
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