Echinodorus palifolius

Description

Echinodorus palaefolius is often mislabeled in trade. One common form has acuminately-tipped leaves similar to E. subalatus, but is not actually E. argentinensis, which belongs to the E. grandiflorus complex and is no longer traded. Another form sold as "Echinodorus rigidifolius" (not a valid botanical name) has wide ovate leaves with bulges at the leaf stalk upper end. This form is also sold as E. palaefolius var. latifolius. The plant originates from eastern Brazil, where it grows in bogs, and has a close relationship with E. subalatus. Its leaves are small (2-2.5 cm) with 12 pale yellow stamens and relatively narrow petals. The flower stalk axis has alate margins like E. subalatus, but the emersed leaf blades are wider than those of E. subalatus. The plant may be confused with E. cordifolius, which has larger flowers (2.5-3 cm) with 15-26 stamens and no groove on the upper side of the leaf stalk. The submersed leaves are lanceolate, with a relatively long stalk, and may show a reddish tint under good lighting.