Aponogeton distachyos
Family: Aponogetonaceae.
Synonyms: Aponogeton distachum var. la-
Etymology : Aponogeton: see A. abyssinicus\ distachyos: 2-spiked, refers to the 2-spiked inflorescence.
Distribution: South Africa (Cape Province), naturalized in many countries, also found in southwestern Europe.
Description: Amphibious plant. Tuber up to 6 cm diameter. Floating leaves up to 1 m long petiolate. Blade up to 23 cm long and 7.5 cm wide, medium green coloration.
Peduncle up to 80 cm long, hardly swollen towards the inflorescence. Spathe up to 3 cm long, caducous. Inflorescence with two very conspicuous up to 4.5-cm long spikes. Flowers unilateral, set in 2 rows, with a very large white tepalum, 8-16 stamens and 2-6 carpels with about 4 ovules each. Fruit up to 22 x 6 mm, seeds up to 17 x 5 mm in size, simple testa (van Brüggen 1985, 1990). Culture: Aponogeton distachyos has been cultivated regularly in botanical gardens for many years. The plant is also often commer cially available from the garden pond trade. This Aponogeton, however, is not suited for cultivation in tropical aquariums because, on the one hand, it can not handle high temperatures in the long run and, on the other hand, it forms only floating leaves. In garden ponds, however, it is an easy-to-maintain plant which might (even in autumn and mild winters) produce inflorescences. It is best to plant the tuber in a pot which can be taken inside during winter. Propagation through seeds is unproblematic. Aponogeton distachyos has limited hardiness.
Ecology: In its native habitat, Aponogeton distachyos often grows in dense populations in both stagnant and flowing waters. They are generally temporary waters which may dry out completely. Van Brüggen mentions that the plants may also grow and flower in emersed condition.
Aponogeton distachyos in a pool during summer.
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