Rotala rotundifolia 'Green'

This plant that entered the aquarium plant trade as Rotala sp. "Green" is apparently a form of the very variable species Rotala rotundifolia. The characteristics of the submersed form of R. rotundifolia "Green" are:

- purely green colour of leaves as well as stems,
- a weeping habit (at first, the shoots grow upright, but then bow down), and
- always only 2 (not 3 or more) leaves per node.

Sometimes, other green forms of Rotala rotundifolia are sold under that name in trade, however, their submersed stems still show at least a reddish hue and grow strictly upright, other than those of true "Green". One can choose these plants if the overhanging habit of true R. rotundifolia "Green" does not complement the layout. However, this typical growth habit can be an interesting design feature.

To be continued...