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Description
Hydrocotyle Ranunculoides, also known as floating pennywort, is a fast-growing aquatic plant that belongs to the family Araliaceae. It is native to North America, but it has become an invasive species in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Australia. The plant has a prostrate or floating habit, and it can grow up to 20 cm in height. It has round, kidney-shaped leaves that are bright green in color and can reach up to 10 cm in diameter. The plant produces small, white or greenish flowers in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukaryota ||———–|———–|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Tracheophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Apiales|| Family| Araliaceae || Genus| Hydrocotyle || Species| H. Ranunculoides |
Appearance
Hydrocotyle Ranunculoides is a beautiful aquatic plant that can add a touch of greenery to any water garden or aquarium. Its leaves are round and kidney-shaped, with a bright green color that contrasts well with the water. The plant can grow up to 20 cm in height, and its leaves can reach up to 10 cm in diameter. The leaves are attached to long, thin stems that can float on the surface of the water or trail along the bottom of the pond. The plant produces small, white or greenish flowers in the summer, which are followed by small, round fruits.
Care Guide
Hydrocotyle Ranunculoides is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to thrive. Here are some care tips:- Water: This plant is an aquatic species and needs to be kept in water at all times. It prefers still or slow-moving water with a neutral pH (around 7.0), and it can tolerate temperatures between 10-30°C.- Fertilization: Floating pennywort is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization. Use a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid aquarium fertilizer at least once a month.- Soil: Since this plant is aquatic, it doesn’t require soil. However, it can be anchored in gravel or sand at the bottom of the pond or aquarium.- Sunlight: Hydrocotyle Ranunculoides prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves and cause them to turn yellow.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hydrocotyle Ranunculoides is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to wilt. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.- Snails: Some species of snails can eat the leaves of the plant. Remove them by hand or use a snail trap.- Fungal infections: These can be caused by poor water quality or over-fertilization. Use a fungicide to treat the plant.
Habitat
Hydrocotyle Ranunculoides is native to North America and can be found in rivers, streams, and ponds. It prefers still or slow-moving water with a neutral pH (around 7.0) and can tolerate temperatures between 10-30°C. The plant has become an invasive species in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Hydrocotyle Ranunculoides a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, it is relatively easy to care for and can add a nice touch to any water garden or aquarium.
Q: Can Hydrocotyle Ranunculoides be grown in a fish tank?
A: Yes, it can be grown in a fish tank, as long as the water quality is good and the pH is neutral.
Q: Can Hydrocotyle Ranunculoides be used as a food source for fish?
A: Yes, some fish species, such as koi and goldfish, will eat the leaves of the plant.
Q: Is Hydrocotyle Ranunculoides an invasive species?
A: Yes, it has become an invasive species in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Related Plants
– Hydrocotyle Leucocephala- Hydrocotyle Verticillata- Hydrocotyle Sibthorpioides- Hydrocotyle Tripartita
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Hydrocotyle ranunculoides. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=HYRA- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Hydrocotyle ranunculoides. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278862&isprofile=0&- FishLab. (2021, April 18). Floating Pennywort: Care, Size, and Propagation. Retrieved from https://fishlab.com/floating-pennywort/
