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Re: Identification of some plants
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(Dirk) wrote March 22:
.....<snipped>..........
>So, could anyone tell me anything helpful about the requirements of the
>following? I apologize for spelling and misidentification, I just copied
>the names from the tanks.
>
>Borneo Fern, Trichromanes Jayanicum
>
>Wildenowii Fern (selaginella)
>
>Uraguay Sword (Muratius)--they wanted $20 for these!
>
>Marble Queen Sword
>
>They also had something labelled "Crypt"--they had 3"-4" red and green
>leaves (the reddest plant I'd ever seen except in photos). The leaves were
>less than 1/2" wide and not ruffled at all. Any idea what variety this is?
>
>They also had "Hair Grass." Could someone fill me in on the latin name for
>this? I want some sort of foreground plant--should I get this or keep
>looking for pigmy chain sword or micro sword?
>
I can't help with all these plants, but there are a few I have some
opinions about:
(1) Wildenowii Fern (selaginella). Selaginella is in the Division
Lycophyta, which also includes club mosses, Lycopodiaceae, and Isoetes. As
far as I know, there are no aquatic Selaginellaceae or Lycopodiaceae I
would bet this is not aquatic. I have also seen club mosses being sold as
aquatic plants, but they most definitely are not. Don't buy it.
(2) The Crypt: Did it have mostly green leaves with irregular red streaks?
If so, I have it too, and I am not sure if it is a variety of C. wendtii,
or some other species in the C. beckettii group.
(3) Hair grass is genus Eleocharis. There are a lot of species suitable
for aquaria. It makes an even finer leaved "lawn" than pigmey chain
swords. It does not do well in dim light.
Paul Krombholz Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS 39174
Where I am wondering what happened to my spring break!