Contents
Description
Callitriche Petriei is a small aquatic plant found in New Zealand. It is a member of the Callitriche genus, which includes around 100 species of aquatic plants distributed worldwide. Callitriche Petriei is commonly known as “Petrie’s water starwort” or “Petrie’s waterwort”. It was named after the New Zealand botanist Donald Petrie, who first discovered the plant in 1910.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Callitrichales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Callitriche |
Appearance
Callitriche Petriei has small, shiny, bright green leaves arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The leaves are around 6-10mm long and 3-4mm wide, and are oval to lance-shaped with pointed tips. The stems of the plant are thin and wiry, and can grow up to 50cm long. The plant produces small, white or greenish flowers that are around 1mm wide, which are not very showy. Callitriche Petriei is generally considered a very attractive aquatic plant due to its bright green color and delicate appearance.
Care Guide
Callitriche Petriei is a relatively easy aquatic plant to care for. Here are some key tips:
- Water: Callitriche Petriei is an aquatic plant that requires water to grow. It is commonly found in slow-moving or still water, such as ponds, lakes, and streams.
- Fertilization: Callitriche Petriei does not require fertilization, as it can obtain all the nutrients it needs from the water.
- Soil: Callitriche Petriei does not require soil, as it is an aquatic plant. However, it can be anchored to rocks or other submerged surfaces.
- Sunlight: Callitriche Petriei prefers partial to full sunlight, but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Callitriche Petriei is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Callitriche Petriei is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by nutrient deficiencies if the water it is growing in does not contain enough nutrients. This can cause the plant to become stunted or discolored. Adding a liquid fertilizer or organic matter to the water can help prevent nutrient deficiencies.
Habitat
Callitriche Petriei is native to New Zealand, where it is commonly found in slow-moving or still water such as ponds, lakes, and streams. It is a common plant in wetlands and can grow in water up to 2 meters deep. Callitriche Petriei prefers still or slow-moving water, but can also grow in fast-moving water if there is a suitable substrate for it to anchor to.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Callitriche Petriei be grown in a home aquarium?
A: Yes, Callitriche Petriei can be grown in a home aquarium as long as the water conditions are suitable for it.
Q: How fast does Callitriche Petriei grow?
A: Callitriche Petriei is a relatively fast-growing plant and can become quite invasive if not managed properly.
Q: Can Callitriche Petriei be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Callitriche Petriei can be propagated from stem cuttings. Simply cut a stem from the plant and anchor it in substrate or attach it to a rock. The stem will eventually develop roots and grow into a new plant.
Q: Does Callitriche Petriei require CO2 injection to grow?
A: No, Callitriche Petriei does not require CO2 injection to grow. It can obtain all the carbon it needs from the water.
Related Plants
- Callitriche Stagnalis
- Callitriche Hamulata
- Callitriche Muelleri
- Callitriche Terrestrialis
References
- “Callitriche Petriei.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/callitriche-petriei/
- “Callitriche.” Flora of New Zealand. https://www.nzflora.info/factsheet/Taxon/Callitriche.html
- “Petrie’s waterwort.” Plantlife. https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/discover-wild-plants-nature/plant-fungi-species/petries-waterwort
