Pogostemon deccanensis

Description

Pogostemon erectus was originally collected from Maharashtra, western India, and incorrectly identified as "Rotala verticillaris". It is now used in many aquariums, mainly in the USA but increasingly in Europe. Initially, it resembles Rotala verticillaris and some varieties of R. mexicana, but its submersed growth is characterized by a more upright habit and larger dimensions. Its emersed form reveals distinct differences: Pogostemon erectus has decorative flower spikes with violet flowers similar to those of other Pogostemon species, whereas Rotala verticillaris and R. mexicana have inconspicuous flowers in the leaf axils.