Echinodorus floribundus

Description

Echinodorus floribundus is known by several names, including E. grandiflorus ssp. aureus and E. cordifolius. However, it is distinct from both of these species. This plant is one of the largest Echinodorus species and can be found in ponds, marshes, and wet meadows in southern Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, and other areas. Adult plants have heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 30 cm long, with deep cuts and furrowed stalks. The leaf areas are translucent and appear as dots, not stripes. Flower stalks can reach up to 2 meters tall and produce large flowers with 25-30 stamina. Rhizomes can be cut for propagation. This species is variable and may have different characteristics depending on the population. One cultivar has nearly bristle-less leaf stalks, young leaves with brown speckles, and a high number of adventitious plants. Another variety from Paraguay has thick bristles on its leaf stalks and veins, as well as reddish-brown young leaves. Echinodorus floribundus is not suitable for aquarium use due to its tendency to grow emersed leaves above the waterline, requiring large amounts of space. It can be cultivated outdoors as a bog plant in nutrient-rich soil during warm seasons.