Aponogeton rigidifolius
A tough, slow-growing Aponogeton with a creeping rhizome.
Aponogeton rigidifolius is a freshwater plant from Sri Lanka. In the wild, it lives in deep water with sandy soil, a pH of 7.2, and temperatures between 68 and 77 °F (20–25 °C). Its creeping rhizome is cylindrical, about 5 inches (13 cm) thick, and unlike most Aponogetons, it has an elongated rhizome instead of a tuber. This rhizome crawls along the surface, sending up new leaves, and can be divided for propagation.
The leaves stay underwater, are firm and almost leathery, and resist damage from most fish and snails. They range from 8 to 23 inches (20–58 cm) long and 1 to 1.6 inches (2.5–4.1 cm) wide, with flat to slightly wavy edges and a clear midrib. Their color is dark green to reddish. The inflorescence is a single spike bearing white flowers and small fruits.
This species is slow-growing but tough once established, needing no rest period. It requires moderate light, tropical temperatures, and tolerates harder water than most other Aponogetons. Though not commonly available, it works well in the middle to background of an aquarium. It rarely flowers in tanks.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Aponogeton
- Species
- rigidifolius
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In the wild, Aponogeton rigidifolius grows in deep water in Sri Lanka, at temperatures of 68 to 77 °F (20 to 25 °C), in sandy soil with a pH of 7.2. Its creeping rhizome is cylindrical and about 5 inches (13 cm) thick. The leaves stay submersed, are firm and almost leather-like, and appear immune to most fish and snails. They range from 8 to 23 inches (20 to 58 cm) long and 1 to 1.6 inches (2.5 to 4.1 cm) wide, with flat to slightly undulate margins and a distinct midrib. Leaf color is dark green to reddish. The inflorescence is a single spike with white flowers and small fruits.
Reader's Guide
This species is unique amongst the Aponogetons in having an elongated rhizome rather than a tuber; the rhizome creeps along the surface, and from it new leaves sprout. The rhizome can be divided for propagation. It needs no rest period but is slow growing, though tough once established. It requires only moderate light and tropical temperatures, and will tolerate harder water than most other Aponogetons. It is not commonly available but is a good plant for the middle to background of an aquarium. It flowers rarely in aquariums.
Did You Know?
- Aponogeton rigidifolius is native to Sri Lanka.
- Its leaves are firm and almost leather-like, seeming immune to most fish and snails.
- It has a creeping rhizome rather than a tuber, unique among Aponogetons.
- It flowers rarely in aquariums.
More in Aquarium and Aquatic Plants, Part 3 1-24
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