Cabomba aquatica
A rhizomatous aquatic herb with submerged and floating leaves.
Cabomba aquatica is a rhizomatous, perennial, aquatic herb in the family Cabombaceae native to South America. It is notable as the type species of its genus and is used as an aquarium plant, though it is difficult to cultivate. It has also been explored as a potential model organism for studies of early angiosperm evolution.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Cabomba
- Species
- aquatica
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Cabomba aquatica was published by Jean Baptiste Christophore Fusée Aublet in 1775 and is the type species of its genus. The specific epithet aquatica means growing in or near water. It produces both submerged and floating leaves; the submerged leaves are finely divided, reniform, 4–5 cm long and 6 cm wide, while the floating leaves are orbicular to broadly elliptic with an entire margin, 5–20 mm long and 4–15 mm wide. The golden yellow, solitary, bisexual, diurnal, incompletely protogynous, nectariferous flowers are 0.5–1.1 cm wide and extend above the water surface. The fruit develops underwater, each bearing a single oval, black seed 2–3.5 mm long and 1.5–2.5 mm wide. The controversial species Cabomba schwartzii is often included in Cabomba aquatica, but it may represent a separate species; reported differences in the number of floral organs may be attributed to intraspecific variation.
Reader's Guide
Cabomba aquatica is used as an aquarium plant but is difficult to cultivate. It requires high light intensity, soft, slightly acidic water, and temperatures of 18–26 °C. Algae can be a challenge in cultivation by covering submerged leaves and damaging the plant. Likewise, it may be harmed by fish in the aquarium or by too strong water currents. The plant occurs in stagnant or flowing water in ponds, floodplains, lakes, creeks, and swamps in bright light conditions. Its flowers are pollinated by bees, wasps, and flies. The species has been explored as a potential model organism for studies of early angiosperm evolution. It is native to the North of South America and has been introduced to Bangladesh and Malaysia.
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