Parrot's feather

Description

Parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) originates from South America's southern region but has been introduced to tropical and warm-temperate regions worldwide. It forms large populations with long shoots trailing on the water surface, with tips rising above the waterline. Its characteristic feature is blue-green, finely structured, and water-repellent emersed leaves. This plant is suitable for garden ponds and aquaria, known by synonyms Myriophyllum brasiliense and "parrotfeather". Several varieties are cultivated: a standard form with tall growth, where emersed forms produce only female flowers; submersed leaves turn light orange-brown under strong light. Another variety has dark to medium green coloration, with reddish brown tips on leaflets, and male flowers develop in the emersed plant. A small-staying form with dark red stems is often sold for garden ponds.