Photo: Averater, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Brazilian micro sword
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis (Glaz.) Affolter
3–6 cm
Height in the aquarium
medium to high
Light
low
CO₂ needs
15–24 °C
Ideal temperature
Water parameters
Understand these values- Position
- foreground
- Propagation
- runners, separating offshoots
- Uses
- nano tank, carpet
- Grows emersed
- yes
In the wild
Overview
This South American plant forms a fine-leaved ground cover that recalls a small lawn. It can become very dense, but a truly compact turf depends on good lighting. Its runners link the young shoots and let the planting spread gradually across the foreground.
- Scientific name
- Lilaeopsis minor Current valid name; in the hobby: Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
- Classification
- Apiales › Apiaceae
- IUCN Red List
- Not evaluated (NE)
Natural habitat
Southern South America
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
- Native countries
- Introduced by people
No introduction reported outside its native range.
Countries: Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP). Dots: GBIF observations in the native countries.
In the aquarium
Growing in the aquarium
Plant small portions a few centimetres apart so they join up more easily. Choose an open spot, out of the shade of taller stands. Growth is slow: do not expect the carpet to close straight away. Tropica also mentions its use in ponds and its tolerance of low salinity, without making it a marine plant.
Sources:Flowgrow GBIF POWO (Kew) Tropica · Base map: Natural Earth