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[APD] Re: The why of the Barr method
Another observation. I regularly try out some native marginal plants to see
if they will develop submersed growth. Mostly I'm not successful but I have
observed that even if they grow (sometimes rapidly reaching for the
surface) they are the first to get thread and green spot algae. The other
thing they have in common is that they retain their waxy cuticle
underwater. Another plant that retains it's cuticle and are Anubius sp. and
let's be honest who doesn't have a bit of algae lingering on their Anubius.
These plants that don't produce true submersed growth seem to have a harder
time fighting off epiphytic algae. Methinks this is further evidence for
short range anti-algae chemical warfare in plants adapted to long term
submersed life. The naked cell walls of healthy submersed plants could
produce a number of different chemical responses to attempts by algae to
colonise their leaf surfaces whereas cells protected by waxy secretions
would have a much harder time.
Tony Eales
333 Whites Rd
Lota, Brisbane 4179
Ph (07) 3365 6958
Home (07) 3396 8496
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