Hydrocotyle cf. tripartita

Hydrocotyle cf. tripartita is a wonderful addition in foreground of an aquarium, or it can be allowed to wind through plants and branches in other areas.  Or it can be used to create a lush carpet along the substrate floor. While at its best with supplemental CO2, it also grows quite readily without CO2 supplementation, though the leaves are smaller and the growth slower. 

The name of this plant is still in question.  It is sometimes traded as Hydrocotyle sp. 'Japan' or Hydrocotyle sp. 'Australia'.  It is similar to H. sibthorpioides, but is slightly smaller in size, with deeply indented, three lobed leaves.  It is also much easier to grow in the aquarium than H. sibthorpioides.  However, the description calls for the plant to be hairy when grown emersed, and the ones currently in culture commercially are not.  Further work remains to be done!

Common Name:     None

Family Name:          Apiaceae

Native To:                Australia?

Lighting:                  Moderate

Requirements:          Undemanding, though it grows better with supplemental CO2

Growth Form:           Creeping

Growth Rate:            Fast

True Aquatic:            Yes

Placement in Tank:   Can be used in many ways

Available As:             Mats