Contents
Description
Hydrocharis Morsus-Ranae, commonly known as the frogbit or European frog-bit, is an aquatic perennial plant that belongs to the Hydrocharitaceae family. This floating plant is native to Europe and Asia and is widely distributed across the northern hemisphere. The name “frogbit” comes from the plant’s leaves resembling the feet of a frog.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Hydrocharitaceae |
| Genus | Hydrocharis |
Appearance
The leaves of Hydrocharis Morsus-Ranae are round, measuring up to 4 cm in diameter, and have a smooth, waxy texture. The plant’s flowers are white or pale pink and bloom during the summer months. The plant’s roots are feathery and can grow up to 10 cm long, providing an excellent habitat for small aquatic animals.
Care Guide
Hydrocharis Morsus-Ranae is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips for growing this aquatic plant:
- Water: Hydrocharis Morsus-Ranae prefers to grow in still or slow-moving water with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5.
- Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer tablet to the water once a month to encourage growth.
- Soil: The plant does not require soil as it floats on the water’s surface.
- Sunlight: Hydrocharis Morsus-Ranae requires full sun to partial shade to grow well.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20℉ to 90℉ and can grow in hardiness zones 4 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hydrocharis Morsus-Ranae is not prone to pests or diseases. However, overgrowth of the plant can lead to oxygen depletion in the water, which can cause fish to suffocate. Therefore, it is essential to control the plant’s growth by removing any excess growth regularly.
Habitat
Hydrocharis Morsus-Ranae is typically found in still or slow-moving freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, and streams. The plant prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a variety of water conditions, making it an ideal choice for aquatic gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Hydrocharis Morsus-Ranae grow in saltwater bodies?
A: No, this plant cannot grow in saltwater bodies as it requires freshwater to thrive.
Q: Can Hydrocharis Morsus-Ranae be grown in a fish tank?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in a fish tank as it provides an excellent habitat for small aquatic animals.
Q: Can Hydrocharis Morsus-Ranae survive in cold temperatures?
A: Yes, this plant can survive in temperatures as low as 20℉, making it suitable for hardiness zones 4 to 10.
Q: How often should I remove excess growth of Hydrocharis Morsus-Ranae?
A: You should remove any excess growth of the plant regularly to prevent oxygen depletion in the water.
Related Plants
- Anacharis (Egeria densa)
- Duckweed (Lemna minor)
- Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
References
- “Hydrocharis morsus-ranae.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l390.
- “Hydrocharis morsus-ranae.” Plant Finder, www.watergardenplants.co.uk/hydrocharis-morsus-ranae/.
- “Hydrocharis morsus-ranae.” The Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/15111/Hydrocharis-morsus-ranae/Details.
