Accession #: 200400164
Accession Date: 2004-09-08
Common name: Waterwheel Plant
Family: Droseraceae
Synonym(s):
Country of Origin: Darwin, Australia
Description: This species is a perennial, free-floating, rootless aquatic herbaceous plant, with a simple or sparsely branched stem possessing successive whorls of bristled, prey-catching leaves. The leaves are arranged in whorls of 4-9, measuring up to 23 mm in diameter, and are basally fused with a swollen, dorsally flattened petiole that broadens upwards before dividing into 3-8 terminal, filiform bristles of 4-8 mm length. Stem length is dependent upon water quality, prey abundance and irradiance, but is commonly between 6-20 cm. The compact, whorled structure of the species provides the plant with an almost cylindrical appearance, and gives rise to the species common name of the "Waterwheel Plant".4
Uses:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.
USDA Zone: GEN_COLL
Source: Matt Opel
Provenance:
Darwin, Australia
Restrictions:
Culture:
Use a large tank in a sunny location, with a layer of peat, sphagnum, and loam on the bottom. Small aquatic animals (snails, daphnia, etc.) control algae and provide prey, and may be introduced along with muck and debris from a pond bottom, or from an established tank. A pot of <i>Typha</i> or some large, easily thinned floating aquatics like <i>Eichhornia</i>, are useful companion plants. Tanks should be carefully flushed with clear or DI water periodically, to prevent the buildup of salts. <BR> Growth should be rapid in warm weather; Darwin Australia is tropical, and <i>Aldrovanda</i> from that locality is definitely at its best in the summer months. The addition of trace elements (esmigram) may be beneficial if growth slows despite appropriate temperatures and lighting. CO2 injection is also appreciated. Keep floating plants thinned.