Description
Lagarosiphon – Curly Water Thyme –
There are about 9 species of semi evergreen, submerged aquatic perennials in this genus. They occur in still or slow moving water in Africa. Used extensively as oxygenators in aquaria and in outdoors pools, they form dense, submerged masses of branched stems that support numerous linear-lance- shaped, recurved, often spirally arranged leaves and very small, white or pink flowers.
In an aquarium, admit full light, but do not provide additional heat, plants tend to become leggy in temperatures above 68 degrees Fahrenheit. In an outdoor pond, grow in a submerged basket of loamy soil in full sun. Cut back regularly to restrict spread, and remove dead stems to prevent them from decomposing in the water.
L. major – Elodea crispa of gardens – This submerged aquatic perennial from Southern Africa has an indefinite spread. It produces fragile stems to 3′ feet long, that carry linear to lance shaped, recurved, dark green leaves, to 1″ long. In summer it bears tubular, pink tinged green flowers, 1/8″ long, develop inside translucent spathes. May become invasive.
Zones 8-11
