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Helanthium tenellum (Mart. ex Schult.f.) J.G.Sm.
| Family Name: | Alismataceae |
| Synonyms: | Echinodorus tenellus |
| Common Name: | Mudbabies, Pygmy Chain Sword |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Aquatic & Hydrophyte |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | South America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Aquatic (Freshwater Pond / Lake / River) |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | An aquatic plant that grows by spreading its runners with adventitious plantlets attached to it. It is the smallest species in the genus. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are linear, glabrous with an acute apex and can grow up to 12cm in poorly lit conditions. The leaf tips however, turn red under bright light. The leaf petiole is hardly distinguishable from the leaf blade. |
| Habitat | It is found in bogs in the wild but will readily adapt to submerged conditions. |
| Cultivation | It is a hardy plant that thrives in fine sand and grows in water with pH levels of 5.5 to 7.5 and in water temperatures of 18 to 28°C. It is best grown under bright light and addition of carbon dioxide dissolved in the water though not essential, quickens its growth rate. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It is commonly used in freshwater aquariums as a fore to mid-ground plant. A popular aquarium plant, it has a 'spidery' look when planted and can form dense carpeting when grown within a confined space. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
| Landscape Uses | Aquarium / Aquascape |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Waterlogged Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Planting Remarks | This plant thrives well in fine sand. |
| Pruning | Prune away all dead and damaged or yellowed leaves and roots before planting. |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stolon / Runner |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31357 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5754 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |