Echinodorus × schlueteri

The plant usually denominated Echinodorus schlueteri in Germany is not identical with the plant that was scientifically described in 1981 by Karel Rataj as E. schlueteri, but is presented in this database as Echinodorus maculatus.
True E. schlueteri (sensu Rataj) is far less well-known. However, it is apparently identical with the plant sold as Echinodorus cordifolius 'Mini'. A systematic molecular examination proved that E. schlueteri is very probably a hybrid of E. maculatus and newly described Echinodorus reptilis from south-eastern South America (Lehtonen & Falck 2009). Therefore it is named Echinodorus × schlueteri by Lehtonen, marked as a hybrid by that.

When cultivated submersed, E. schlueteri is a relatively low-growing plant with unicoloured light to medium green leaves. The leaf blades are ovate to slightly heart-shaped, and in contrast to those of E. maculatus, the new leaves do not have any spotted pattern. The leafstalks are about as long as the leaf blades.
The emersed form of E. schlueteri can grow to a height of over 30 cm. It has roundish to ovate leaves with a heart-shaped base and relatively long stalks. The inflorescence is thin, low-lying and usually does not have more than two whorls. The flowers sit on long stalks and have large overlapping petals.