Aciotis acuminifolia

Description

Aciotis acuminifolia is an aquarium plant from the Melastomataceae family, which includes tropical shrubs and small trees. This species was first introduced to the US in 2005 as "Sao Francisco Irecienu" and is still available from hobbyists. The exact location of its origin on Rio Sao Francisco in eastern Brazil is unknown. This plant grows upright with four-edged stems and crosswise opposite leaves with parallel leaf veins typical for Melastomataceae family members. Its submersed leaves are green, yellow or reddish, with a red underside, which intensifies to redder hues under higher light intensity. The margin of younger leaves curves slightly upwards, decreasing as the leaves age. Aciotis acuminifolia can grow out of water and emersed cultivation is possible with high air humidity. Its emersed sprouts resemble submersed ones but have a more pronouncedly serrate leaf margin and more intense red coloration under good lighting. The complex inflorescence has small pale pink flowers (4-8 mm) with four petals, which develop into green fruit full of reddish seeds. This plant requires soft water, an ample nutrient supply, moderate to high light, and a good CO2 supply when cultivated submersed in an aquarium. If its demands are not met, leaves may grow narrower or even curl up. A lack of light can lead to stunted growth or growth stop, leaf loss, or decomposition. Under good conditions, it has a moderate growth rate and produces lateral shoots that can be cut off for propagation purposes.