Echinodorus decumbens

Description

Echinodorus decumbens was discovered by Christel Kasselmann in 1994 on Rio Surubim, Piauí, Brazil. It grows directly on riverbanks and in inundation zones. The plant has a upright leaf rosette but creeping flower stalks. Its scientific name means "low-lying sword plant" due to its decumbent flower stalks. It is closely related to Echinodorus subalatus. Emersed form differs from E. subalatus by its decumbent flower stalks, larger size, and greater distance between whorls. Lanceolate leaves are narrower than those of E. subalatus. Flower stalk axils are triangular but not alate like those of E. subalatus. Its leaf stalks have a groove on the upper side, long narrow bracts on flower stalk whorls, short-stalked small flowers with 12 pale yellow stamens. The plant is self-sterile and does not develop fruit after pollination. Submersed leaves grow to over 50 cm in length, are very narrow and have strong stalks. The midrib of submersed leaves is stronger and lighter than the rest of the leaf tissue, which can be slightly transparent. The plant grows well at temperatures above 25°C and prefers higher temperatures up to 30°C. It can tolerate soft, acidic water but also moderately hard, alkaline water. Grown plants can reach a height of up to 75 cm and are suitable for high tanks. Young plants can be used in smaller aquaria until they grow out. Strong plants may form emersed leaves, which can be removed and the plant will sprout submersed leaves again.