Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia

Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia is a huge, over one metre long crypt with relatively long-stalked, narrow-lanceolate to lineal, distinctly bullous leaves. Its species name refers to its likeness to some Aponogeton species. It is found in the extreme south-east of the Philippine island Luzon; in earlier times, it was also found on the islands Panay and Negros. This crypt is a true aquatic plant growing in fast-flowing rivers and rivulets, where it forms dense submersed populations that only fall dry when the water is low.
As aquarium plant, C. aponogetifolia has been popular for many years. As early as in the 60s of the last century it was used in public show aquaria.

The name C. aponogetifolia was long considered to be a synonym of Cryptocoryne usteriana, and even today, this water trumpet can be found under that name. However, Josef Bogner proved with the material he collected on the Philippines in 1983 that C. aponogetifolia can be differentiated from true C. usteriana as a species of its own. C. usteriana tends to stay smaller, has a wider leaf form and, most importantly, has a distinctly different spatha. However, newer collected material indicates that both species may be more variable than hitherto assumed.

Like true C. usteriana, C. aponogetifolia grows well in moderately hard to hard water and only fits into large tanks due to its size. Together with the fact that it is not eaten by fish, this makes it an excellent candidate for cichlid tanks housing fish from Lake Malawi or Lake Tanganyika.

To be continued...