Eleocharis sp. "Montevidensis"

Eleocharis sp. "Montevidensis"

• Difficulty: Media
• Family: Cyperaceae
• Gender: Eleocharis
• Origin: North America
• Lighting: Low
• Temperature: 4º- 30º
• Increase: Medium
• PH: 5.0 – 7.0
• Hardness: 0 – 30
• Co2: recommendable

Characteristics of Eleocharis sp. "Montevidensis"

This tall species with thin stems was imported to Europe in the XNUMXs as Eleocharis sp. "Xingu". The trade name suggests that it was originally found in the Rio Xingú area in Brazil, however, exact information on its origin is not available. So far it is not categorized in any species.

Underwater, Xingu grass grows up to 30-50 cm long and at most 1 mm wide, stems are light to medium green in color. It forms dense tufts, but also underground stolons. In its emerged form (out of water) the stems remain shorter and develop a small, light brown, egg-shaped spikelet at the tip. Black, germinable seeds develop in these spikelets. When plants are placed in water, seedlings can form in spikelets, similar to Eleocharis Vivipara.

Good lighting, a CO2 supply and a nutrient rich substrate are recommended, otherwise it has no special requirements. Freshly planted Montevidensis grass often takes time to acclimatize and start growing. When growing well, stolons should be pruned from time to time. We do not recommend pruning stems too high because the cut ends become yellow and unsightly. The maximum height of the plant should be considered before using it for aquarium design.

As well as Eleocharis sp. "Montevidensis" has a particular growth form that makes it interesting for Aquascaping. It has the appearance of reed or flooded grass. Underwater photo-like stands of Eleocharis are sometimes shown from natural biotopes in South America. With its height, it looks best in tall aquariums. In shallow water, the stems grow out of the water or tip over and float along the surface.