Anubias barteri or, Broadleaved anubias

Scientific name:
Anubias barteri var. barteri
Common name: Broadleaved anubias
Origin: West Africa
This common Anubias species is an adaptable and robust plant that can be used in a number of ways in the aquarium. The main root, or rhizome, must be placed above the substrate, preferably attached to rock or bogwood, otherwise it may break down and die. As long as water is available to the root, the plant will grow above water or in bog conditions. The leaves of the broadleaved anubias are thick and sturdy and will survive the attentions of large, boisterous, or herbivorous fish. The plant will live in a wide range of lighting conditions, but in brighter light the leaves are more compact and new leaves grow more quickly.
Maximum height: 12 in (30 cm)
Growth rate: Slow
Area: Background, Midground, Specimen, or unusual
Light: All light conditions.
Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
Propagation: From side shoots or by dividing the rhizome
Difficulty: Light – not critical. Co2 – Not critical. Beginner’s Plant
The leaves of this Anubias sp. are tough and will withstand many conditions.

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Anubius Species for the Planted Aquarium

Anubias plants are a highly robust, undemanding, and adaptable group that can be used in a number of ways in the aquarium. The plants come from various river and stream areas in Africa and are usually found on the edges of waterways and in marsh conditions. They have an adapted rhizome and roots that will attach to solid objects, such as wood or rocks, so substrate conditions are unimportant. With the minor exception of Anubias gracilis, lighting is unimportant; indeed, bright lighting may even slow plant growth. In open-topped aquariums, anubias can be grown out of water, providing the root is either submerged or in very wet conditions. This makes it ideal for use in bog aquariums or paludariums. Some anubias will produce flowers and fruit on long stalks.

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Acorus gramineus - Japanese Rush

Environment Required
• Substrate: Plain washed gravel
• Lighting: Not critical
• pH value: 6.8-7.5
• Hardness: Not critical
• Temperature: 15-22 degree C (59-70°F)

Height: Up to 30cm (12in).
Distribution: Eastern Asia.
Characteristics: A slow-growing plant with handsome dark green spiky leaves in fan-shaped clumps. The roots are very tough and wiry.
Aquarium use: This moisture-loving plant is suitable for growing submerged in the aquarium. It thrives at the lower end of the recommended temperature range but does reasonably well in tropical aquariums.
Propagation: Divide the plants by splitting the rhizome.
Varieties: Although the type species is available, the following varieties are more extensively cultivated: Acorus gramineusvar. variegatus, which grows to the same height as the type species but with leaves strikingly striped in yellow. Acorus gramineus var. pussilus. a dwarf form that grows up to 10cm (4in) high and is suitable for foreground planting. Acorus gramineus var. intermedius, a robust form reaching 45cm (18in) high.
An excellent middleground plant for both cool and tropical aquariums.

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