Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Aquatic & Hydrophyte (Waterside / Marginal) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Aquatic (Freshwater Pond / Lake / River) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A relatively petite, herbaceous perennial. It is a polymorphous species and has a highly variable growth form and appearance. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are green with a purple underside and grow in a rosette. |
| Flowers | As a member of the Araceae family, the flower comes in the form of a very short spadix which is hidden within the dilate base of the spathe (kettle). The female flowers are located below the male flowers and are separated by the slender axis of the spadix. The inflorescence only forms if the plant is growing in emersed conditions, not submerged in the water. |
| Habitat | Is found growing by small streams in the rainforest and along man-made and natural water channels. |
| Cultivation | This species requires partial light and grows in pH levels of 5.5 to 8.0 and in water temperatures of 20 to 28°C. It is tolerant to hard water and has a slow growth rate. It should be grown in a stable environment with rich soil. Does not take well to transplants and may experience dieback, otherwise known as 'Crypt melt' in a new environment. |
| Etymology | The genus 'Cryptocoryne' comes from the Greek word 'kryptos' which means 'hidden' and 'koryne' or 'spadix'. This refers to the spadix hidden within the spathe. The species name name 'wedentii' is given in honour of german botanist A. Wendt (1887 - 1958). |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It is used as fore to mid-ground plant in freshwater aquariums. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
| Landscape Uses | Aquarium / Aquascape |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Waterlogged Soils |
| Transplanting Tolerance | Poor / Sensitive |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Propagation Method | Division |
| Propagation Method Remarks | The plant can be propagated from the division of the rhizomes with at least one node. |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Rosulate / Rosette |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31359 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5756 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
