Aponogeton
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 Aponogeton distachyos
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Aponogeton is a genus of flowering plants: it is the only genus of the family Aponogetonaceae. The genus counts up to about fifty species, of aquatic plants, which are found in tropical Africa and Asia, but some are used as decorative plants in aquaria.
They are fully aquatic, becoming dormant during drought conditions. Most species grow from tubers. Herbaceous plants with milky sap. Leaves sheathing at base; axillary scales present. Inflorescences branched [unbranched], projected above water. Flowers bilaterally symmetric, sessile; stamens 6--18--[50]; filaments distinct; anthers 2-locular; pistils 2--6[--9], sessile. Fruits: beak terminal [lateral], curved or straight. Seeds: endosperm absent; seed coat single or double. x = 8.
The name was validly published by the younger Linnaeus in: Linnaeus f., Supplementum Plantarum 32: 214. 1782.
The name is derived from a geographic location.
[edit] Selected species
- Aponogeton abyssinicus, of eastern Africa.
- Aponogeton biovinianus, a species of Madagascar.
- Aponogeton crispus, a common aquarium species, with long, reddish, undulating leaves. Many hybrids are available from pet shops.
- Aponogeton desertorum, dog-with-two-tails, of southern Africa.
- Aponogeton distachyos, Cape pondweed, water hawthorn, another common aquarium species. From South Africa, hence 'Cape' in the common name. Bears small white flowers.
- Aponogeton madagascarensis, Madagascar Lace Plant, Lattice Leaf, has long, broad, lace-like leaves, and is endangered in the wild. Also referred to as A. fenestralis.
- Aponogeton rigidifolia, native to Sri Lanka, has long green-brown leaves, and grows from a rhizome.
- Aponogeton undulatus, a large species with yellow flowers, native to Madagascar.
- Aponogeton ulvaceous, from India, propagates by producing plantlets, similar to the spider plant.
[edit] External links
- The Aponogeton Family
- Aponogetonaceae in L. Watson and M.J. Dallwitz (1992 onwards). The families of flowering plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, information retrieval. Version: 9th March 2006. http://delta-intkey.com
