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cjmaddy · 02-05-2003, 05:22 PM

From AQUARUM PLANTS by H. C. D. De Wit.

Nymphoides aqauatica (Walt) O.K.- (Fig.63) Banana Plant

1788: first described by Th.Walter (as Anonymos aquatica) (Fl. Carol.:37). Renamed by O.Kuntze (Rev.Gen.Pl.2:429.1891).
Syn.Villarsia lacunosa,Limnanthemum aquaticum,L.trachyspermum).
Distribution: E.and S.United States (Florida).
Description: This species owes the name of "Underwater Banana Plant" to the bunch of miniature "Dahlia tubers" from which it sends up its rosette of long-petioled subcircular light-green or purple leaves with a cordate base. Mature leaves are floating, the petiole bearing purple warts, the lamina somewhat more stout and spongy, olive-green above, purple beneath, with many small depressions. They may exceed 10cm in length. Flowers 1 to 2cm in diameter, white, and apparently arising from the petiole, a few cm below the lamina.
Biology and cultivation: In America a popular aquarium plant but cultivated only rarely in Holland. In the wild state it occurs in pools and slow-moving water. It needs plenty of light. After fertilisation the pedicel bends over, as a result of which the fruit ripens below the surface. Can be propagated from leaf-currings.

02-05-2003, 05:22 PM	#103
cjmaddy Registered Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Lancashire, UK Posts: 7,854	From AQUARUM PLANTS by H. C. D. De Wit. Nymphoides aqauatica (Walt) O.K.- (Fig.63) Banana Plant 1788: first described by Th.Walter (as Anonymos aquatica) (Fl. Carol.:37). Renamed by O.Kuntze (Rev.Gen.Pl.2:429.1891). Syn.Villarsia lacunosa,Limnanthemum aquaticum,L.trachyspermum). Distribution: E.and S.United States (Florida). Description: This species owes the name of "Underwater Banana Plant" to the bunch of miniature "Dahlia tubers" from which it sends up its rosette of long-petioled subcircular light-green or purple leaves with a cordate base. Mature leaves are floating, the petiole bearing purple warts, the lamina somewhat more stout and spongy, olive-green above, purple beneath, with many small depressions. They may exceed 10cm in length. Flowers 1 to 2cm in diameter, white, and apparently arising from the petiole, a few cm below the lamina. Biology and cultivation: In America a popular aquarium plant but cultivated only rarely in Holland. In the wild state it occurs in pools and slow-moving water. It needs plenty of light. After fertilisation the pedicel bends over, as a result of which the fruit ripens below the surface. Can be propagated from leaf-currings.