Aldrovanda

Description

Aldrovanda, also called waterwheel plant, is a small carnivorous floating plant that belongs to the Droseraceae family. It is native to Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia and thrives in highly acidic and nutrient-poor freshwater environments. Aldrovanda is unique in its ability to trap and digest small aquatic invertebrates, such as mosquito larvae and water fleas, using its highly specialized traps. This makes it a fascinating plant for both hobbyists and scientists alike.

Taxonomic Information

| Domain| Kingdom | Phylum | Class| Order| Family| Genus|| ——— | ——- | —— | ——— | ——– | ————| ——— || Eukaryota | Plantae | Tracheophyta | Magnoliopsida | Caryophyllales | Droseraceae | Aldrovanda |

Appearance

Aldrovanda is an aquatic carnivorous plant that floats on the surface of the water. It has small, oval-shaped leaves that are arranged in whorls of six to twelve around a central stem. Each leaf is about 1 cm long and has small, hair-like structures called cilia on its inner surface. These cilia create a current that pulls water and small organisms towards the trap, which is located at the center of the whorl. The trap is a modified leaf that is highly specialized for capturing and digesting prey. It is shaped like a small waterwheel, which gives the plant its common name.

Care Guide

Aldrovanda is a challenging plant to grow because it has specific requirements for water quality and nutrient availability. Here are some care tips to help you grow Aldrovanda successfully:- Water: Aldrovanda requires highly acidic water with a pH between 3.5 and 6.5. The water should be soft, with a low mineral content. You may need to use reverse osmosis or distilled water to achieve these conditions.- Fertilization: Aldrovanda is adapted to nutrient-poor environments and does not require fertilizer. In fact, excess nutrients in the water can cause algae growth and harm the plant.- Soil: Aldrovanda does not grow in soil. It floats on the surface of the water and absorbs nutrients and water through its leaves.- Sunlight: Aldrovanda requires bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Too much direct sunlight can damage the plant.- Hardiness Zones: Aldrovanda is not hardy and cannot survive cold temperatures. It is best grown in a warm, indoor environment.

Common Pests & Diseases

Aldrovanda is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to some issues. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect Aldrovanda:- Algae: Excessive algae growth can compete with Aldrovanda for nutrients and light. You can control algae growth by reducing the nutrient content and increasing water flow in the tank.- Snails: Snails can damage Aldrovanda by eating its leaves. You can remove snails by hand or using a snail trap.- Overfeeding: Overfeeding Aldrovanda can cause algae growth and reduce the plant’s ability to catch prey. It is best to feed Aldrovanda sparingly.

Habitat

Aldrovanda is found in freshwater habitats, such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It prefers acidic, nutrient-poor water and is often found in bogs and wetlands. Aldrovanda is native to Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, but its range has been significantly reduced due to habitat loss and pollution.

Question and Answer

Q: How does Aldrovanda catch prey?

A: Aldrovanda catches prey using a specialized trap that is shaped like a small waterwheel. The trap has small, hair-like structures called cilia that create a current that pulls water and small organisms towards the center of the whorl. When an organism touches the trigger hairs inside the trap, it snaps shut, trapping the prey inside.

Q: Can Aldrovanda be grown in a fish tank?

A: Yes, Aldrovanda can be grown in a fish tank, but it requires specific water conditions and may not be compatible with all fish species. It is important to research the specific requirements of both the plant and the fish before attempting to grow them together.

Q: How often should I feed Aldrovanda?

A: Aldrovanda does not need to be fed frequently, as it is adapted to nutrient-poor environments. You can feed it once or twice a month with small aquatic invertebrates, such as mosquito larvae or water fleas. Overfeeding can cause algae growth and harm the plant.

Q: How can I propagate Aldrovanda?

A: Aldrovanda can be propagated by dividing the plant into smaller pieces or by taking stem cuttings. It is important to ensure that each piece has at least one whorl of leaves and that the water conditions are suitable for growth.

Related Plants

– Dionaea muscipula (Venus Flytrap)- Sarracenia (Pitcher Plant)- Nepenthes (Tropical Pitcher Plant)- Drosera (Sundew)

References

– “Aldrovanda vesiculosa.” Invasive Species Compendium. CAB International. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/2671- Cross, Adam T. “Aldrovanda vesiculosa.” The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T163768A2123728. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T163768A2123728.en- Ellison, Aaron M., and Nicholas J. Gotelli. “Energetics and the evolution of carnivorous plants-Darwin’s ‘most wonderful plants in the world’.” Journal of Experimental Botany 61.1 (2010): 19-42. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erp282