Nymphoides aquatica
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| Nymphoides aquatica | ||||||||||||||
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| Nymphoides aquatica ((J.F.Gmel.) Kuntze |
Contents |
[edit] Common names
Banana Plant / Lily; (Big) Floating Heart
[edit] Origins
found in the upper part of the amazon river
[edit] Description
A cluster of thick banana-shaped roots, located close to the leaves near the surface of the water. Banana lily has rounded leaves that have a notch at the base: they resemble small water lily leaves. The leaves are green above and dull purple below.
It bears small white five-petalled flowers that arise from below the leaf.
[edit] Ecological aspects
found in quiet ponds, lakes, and other slow-moving waters.
[edit] Cultivation
It is unusual in that it can be grown rooted or as a floating plant. It prefers a bright light and a tropical temperature range.
It can be propagated from the runners that arise naturally or by dividing the rootstock. Although a perennial it is best replaced by new stock every 4 or 5 years. The rootstock should not be entirely buried in the substrate when planting. In the winter and in more shaded conditions, it forms submerse, rather than floating leaves.
[edit] References
Greg and Sue Speichert, Encyclopedia of Water Garden Plants, Timber Press (2004)
