Hygrophila corymbosa
A fast-growing riparian plant popular in tropical aquariums.
Hygrophila corymbosa, commonly known as temple plant, starhorn or giant hygro, is a riparian plant in the acanthus family. It is indigenous to selected countries of Southeast Asia like Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and India, and also grows in the USA and Mexico. The plant is grown worldwide in tropical aquariums and naturally grows as an emergent, though it can survive long periods fully submerged.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Hygrophila (plant)
- Species
- corymbosa
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Hygrophila corymbosa is a riparian plant in the acanthus family, known by the common names temple plant, starhorn, or giant hygro. It is indigenous to selected countries of Southeast Asia including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and India, and also grows in the USA and Mexico. The plant naturally grows as an emergent, but it can survive long periods fully submerged, and is grown worldwide in tropical aquariums. There are several forms in the aquarium trade such as red, siamensis compacta, and many others, which seem to be mainly ecological variants; color variation depends upon illumination and the amount of iron available. If allowed to grow out of the aquarium, it will bear purple scented flowers, often causing the lower leaves to drop.
Reader's Guide
Hygrophila corymbosa is notable for its adaptability and ease of cultivation in tropical aquariums. It is a fast-growing plant that can be frequently trimmed back, preferring a well-lit situation, nutrient-rich water and compost, and benefiting from additional CO2. The plant is adaptable to a variety of water conditions, making it suitable for many aquarists. It can be easily propagated by taking cuttings and planting them in the substrate. The plant is reported to be useful for absorbing ammonium and nitrates and helping to fight algal growth, contributing to water quality in the aquarium. Its several forms, such as red and siamensis compacta, are mainly ecological variants, with color variation depending on illumination and iron availability. If allowed to grow out of the aquarium, it produces purple scented flowers, though this often causes lower leaves to drop. Its widespread use in the aquarium trade stems from its hardiness and aesthetic appeal.
Did You Know?
- Hygrophila corymbosa is also known by the synonyms Nomaphila corymbosa and Nomaphila stricta var. corymbosa.
- It naturally grows as an emergent plant but can survive long periods fully submerged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hygrophila corymbosa?
Hygrophila corymbosa is a fast-growing riparian plant in the acanthus family, widely recognized in the aquarium hobby under nicknames like temple plant, starhorn, or giant hygro. It is native to tropical Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and India.
What are Hygrophila corymbosa's powers/role?
In a tropical aquarium it acts as a towering, rapidly expanding stem plant that quickly fills the mid- to background area. Although it naturally lives as an emergent riparian species, it tolerates long stretches fully submerged, which is what makes it so useful as an aquascaping centerpiece.
Why is Hygrophila corymbosa important?
Its rapid growth rate lets it outpace many algae species and quickly establish a dense canopy that shelters small fish and shrimp. Because it is forgiving of a wide range of water parameters and can even survive brief emersion during maintenance, it remains a go-to recommendation for beginner aquarists.
Where does Hygrophila corymbosa come from?
The species is indigenous to slow-moving waterways and wetlands across Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and India. It has also become naturalized in parts of the United States and Mexico, while cultivated stock is now propagated and sold in aquarium shops worldwide.
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