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Description
Monochoria Australasica, also known as the Australian Monochoria or Water Hyacinth, is an aquatic perennial herb that is native to Australia, New Guinea, and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Pontederiaceae and is a popular choice for water gardens and aquatic landscapes due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Pontederiaceae |
| Genus | Monochoria |
Appearance
Monochoria Australasica has long, thin stems that can grow up to 60cm in length. The leaves are ovate or elliptical in shape and can range from 5-20cm in length. The flowers are blue or purple in color and are arranged in spikes that can grow up to 10cm in length. The fruit is a capsule that contains many small seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Monochoria Australasica requires constant access to water. It is best grown in a container or in a pond where it can be fully submerged.
Fertilization: Fertilization is not necessary for Monochoria Australasica, but it can benefit from occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: Monochoria Australasica does not require soil as it is an aquatic plant. However, it can benefit from a layer of gravel or sand at the bottom of its container or pond.
Sunlight: Monochoria Australasica prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in poor growth and fewer flowers.
Hardiness Zones: Monochoria Australasica is hardy in zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Monochoria Australasica is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the water it is growing in becomes stagnant. To prevent this, ensure that the water is properly aerated and that the plant is not overcrowded.
Habitat
Monochoria Australasica is found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It prefers still or slow-moving water and can tolerate both acidic and alkaline conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Monochoria Australasica be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Monochoria Australasica can be grown in a container as long as it has access to constant water.
Q: Does Monochoria Australasica require fertilizer?
A: Fertilization is not necessary for Monochoria Australasica, but it can benefit from occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Monochoria Australasica hardy?
A: Yes, Monochoria Australasica is hardy in zones 8-11.
Q: What kind of water does Monochoria Australasica prefer?
A: Monochoria Australasica prefers still or slow-moving water and can tolerate both acidic and alkaline conditions.
Related Plants
- Monochoria vaginalis
- Monochoria hastata
- Monochoria korsakowii
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/water-plants/monochoria/water-hyacinth-plant.htm
- https://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/threads/monochoria-australasica.117998/
- https://www.pondboss.com/blog/water-hyacinth-monochoria-australasica
