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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PLANTS

Heteranthera zosterifolia

Family Pontederiaceae (Pontederia).
Distribution Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina.
Submarine shoots ascending or erect, often branched, on the lower nodes abundantly gives roots. The above-water leaves are similar to underwater ones only at high humidity, they are somewhat harder and shorter. The leaf underlaying is alternate, leaves sessile, glabrous, linear or spatulate up to 5 cm long, 3-7 cm wide, light green in color. Underwater petiole up to 2 cm, leaf blade lanceolate up to 2.5 cm long, 10 mm wide.
The formation of flowers after the formation of floating leaves. Inflorescence axillary, tsvetonos about 2 cm, at the base wrapped with a cover of 15 mm long, flowers 2, 10 mm, one flower sedentary, the other with a short pedicel. Perianth tube up to 12 mm in length; Perianth with 6 acute lobes, in 2 circles; Outer leaves of the perianth somewhat larger than internal, blue-violet; Zev is dark blue without a yellow spot. Has 3 stamens, one longer than the others, and 1 pestle. Fruit - three-nesting box.
Decorative, easy to care, but light-loving stem plant, which grows well in both soft and hard water. As a primer, sand is sufficient. The optimum temperature regime is 23-27 degrees C. Depending on the size of the aquarium shoots are planted in the front or middle zone. A well-growing group should be re-planted every two to three weeks by ledges. A combination of her red-headed species can achieve beautiful contrasts. Due to abundant formation of lateral shoots reproduction does not present difficulties. If you want to admire the small violet-blue flowers, shoots must be spread along the surface of the water.
The species underwater grows in reservoirs with standing water or water bodies with a slow current, and on land in humid habitats.