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Anubias barteri var. nana

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Anubias barteri var. nana (Engl.) Crusio

Family Name: Araceae

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Infraspecific Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Comments

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 West Africa
Native Habitat Aquatic (Freshwater Pond / Lake / River)
Local Conservation Status Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only)

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form A broad-leafed, herbaceous perennial. It grows in emersed conditions though it can also be grown submerged underwater. This variety is the smallest form of Anubias.
Foliage The thick and leathery leaves are dark green and oblong with an acute apex, an entire margin and net venation. The leaf petiole can grow up to 5cm long with leaf width up to 2.8cm wide. The leaves are also unplatable to herbivorous fishes hence, making it an ideal plant for aquascaping. 
Stems The plant has a creeping rhizome on which adventitious roots form.
Habitat The plant is found in marshes, stremas and riverbanks under shady conditions. 
Cultivation It is ideally grown under partial shade in water temperatures of 22 to 26°C and in water with pH levels of 5.5 to 8.0. A slow-growing but hardy plant, it can also be grown emersed in water and grows best under hot and humid conditions. A suitable plant for beginners, it has no need for additional fertilisation.
Etymology The genus name is derived from the name of the Eygptian God Anubis. 

Landscaping Features

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 Easy to Grow
Planting Remarks To prevent the plant. from floating, attach the rhizome to pieces of rocks or driftwood using fishing line or black thread. Do not bury the rhizome or else it will rot.
Maintenance Requirements Low
Propagation Method Division
Plant Growth Rate Remarks This plant has a slow growth rate.
Propagation Method Remarks It is propagated from the eyes of the rhizome. 

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Smooth
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong)
Foliar Venation Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin Entire
Foliar Apex - Tip Acute

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Inflorescence Type Spathe & Spadix

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 31360
Species ID 5757
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.
Species record last updated on: 10 February 2022.
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