[Prev][Next][Index]

Re: Pennywort

George Booth (booth at hpmtlgb1_lvld.hp.com) writes:
>
>> From: krombhol at felix_TECLink.Net (Paul Krombholz)
>> Date: Fri, 22 Sep 1995 18:21:11 -0500
>> 
>> There are two species of pennywort grown in aquaria, Hydrocotyle
>> leucocephala and Hydrocotyle verticillata.
>
>Paul,
>
>Is there possibly a third species of Pennywort?  We have what looks
>like two different species in one of our tanks. One is easily
>identified as H.leucocephala.  The other has the same general
>appearance but with some differences.  The leaves of the H.
>leucocephala have a distinct notch that goes to the petiole whereas
>the other has more of the H. verticillata shape (no distinct notch).
>Because of this, I called the other one H. verticillata for a long
>time.  However, it is a much bigger plant - the leaves get up to 3" in
>diameter and the stem is much thicker and robust than the H.
>leucocephala.

I believe there are several species of Hydrocotyle.  H. leucocephala
has a vertical stem and notched leaves.  There seem to be two species
that have horizontal stems and shield-like, un-notched leaves.  One
species (which I think is H. verticillata) tends to grow very long
leaf stalks reaching all the way to the surface of the tank, and has
leaves taht are 3" or so in diameter.  The other (which I believe is
H. vulgaris) is shown in Barry James's book.  He describes it as a
small, foreground plant.

-Shaji