Eight-stamen waterwort

Description

Elatine hydropiper was introduced to trade by Anbias Plant Company in 2010. The aquarium population likely originated from Italy (Adams 2010). Confirmation of its identity requires observation of flowering and fruiting plants. This species is widely distributed across Europe, reaching northern Scandinavia, Siberia, and Northern China. In Italy, it only grows in the north-west. Elatine hydropiper thrives in ponds, rivers, and marshes. Its extensive distribution makes it surprising that it adapts well to tropical tanks. Two similar species, Elatine macropoda and E. gussonei, are found in southern Italy and Mediterranean regions. This plant has become a popular choice for aquascaping due to its ability to create a miniature lawn-like ground cover, resembling Glossostigma elatinoides. Unlike G. elatinoides, which can grow aggressively, Elatine hydropiper grows moderately fast and is easier to manage. Its tiny leaves make it suitable for nano tanks and small aquaria, or as a stunning foreground feature in larger tanks.