Description
Cabomba –
There are about 7 species of submerged aquatic perennials, in this genus. They occur in still water in Warmer parts of North and South America. Long, thin, branching stems carry opposite or whorled submerged leaves divided into linear lobes, and alternate, peltate floating leaves with broadly ovate to narrowly elliptic leaf blades, The solitary, 3 petaled flowers, ½-1 ½” across, are borne above the water on long stems. They are valued for their feathery foliage and, like other submerged aquatics, they absorb nutrients out of the water, helping to reduce algae levels, there by making the water clearer.
In an aquarium, grow in full light in pots of humus rich, coarse sand, in water without air diffusers, since they dislike water movement, in water no deeper than 18″ deep.
C. caroliniana – Carolina Water Shield – Fanwort – Fish Grass – This aquatic perennial from Southeastern USA has an indefinite spread. It produces fan shaped, sharp pointed, dark green submerged ferny leaves, to 3′ feet long, divide into 5 leaflets. The ovate, inversely lance shaped to linear-oblong, sharp pointed, mid green floating leaves are 3/4″ long. In summer, saucer shaped, white or purple-pink flowers, 1 ½” across, with 2 yellow spots at the base of each petal, are held singly from the leaf axils, just above the water.
Zones 7-11
