Contents
Description
Subularia is a genus of aquatic plants that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is known for its needle-shaped leaves and tiny flowers that bloom in the spring. This genus is native to North America, Europe, and Asia, and is commonly found in freshwater habitats such as streams, rivers, and wetlands.The name Subularia is derived from the Latin word “subula”, which means “awl”. This refers to the shape of the leaves, which resemble awls or needles. There are only two species in this genus, Subularia aquatica and Subularia monticola.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Subularia |
Appearance
Subularia has needle-shaped leaves that are arranged in a basal rosette. The leaves are approximately 1-2 cm long and 0.5-1 mm wide. They are often curved or twisted and have a pointed tip. The flowers are small, white, and star-shaped, and are borne on short stalks. They bloom in the spring and are usually only visible above the waterline.
Care Guide
Subularia is an easy plant to care for and is suitable for beginner aquarists. Here are some tips for caring for this aquatic plant:- Water: Subularia thrives in freshwater habitats such as streams, rivers, and wetlands. It prefers clean, well-oxygenated water with a neutral pH.- Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilization, but adding a liquid fertilizer can help it grow faster and healthier.- Soil: Subularia does not require soil as it is an aquatic plant. However, it can be anchored to rocks or other structures in the aquarium.- Sunlight: This plant prefers moderate to high light conditions. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause it to become leggy and weak.- Hardiness Zones: Subularia is hardy to USDA Zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Subularia is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by algae growth, snail infestations, and fungal infections. To prevent these issues, maintain good water quality and avoid overcrowding in the aquarium. If necessary, use a commercial algaecide, snailicide, or fungicide to control the problem.
Habitat
Subularia is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It is commonly found in freshwater habitats such as streams, rivers, and wetlands. It prefers clean, well-oxygenated water with a neutral pH.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Subularia be grown in a planted aquarium?
A: Yes, Subularia can be grown in a planted aquarium. It is an easy plant to care for and can add a unique texture to the aquascape.
Q: Does Subularia require CO2 injection?
A: No, Subularia does not require CO2 injection. It can grow well in moderate to high light conditions without the need for additional CO2.
Q: What is the ideal water temperature for Subularia?
A: Subularia prefers water temperatures between 64-72°F (18-22°C).
Q: Can Subularia be grown emersed?
A: No, Subularia is an aquatic plant and cannot be grown emersed. It requires a constant supply of water to survive.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Brassicaceae family:- Arabidopsis- Brassica- Capsella- Cardamine- Eruca- Hesperis- Lepidium- Raphanus
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Subularia aquatica. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c389- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Plants Profile for Subularia aquatica (awlwort). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SUAC3
