Eriocaulon parkeri

This relatively small plant is one of the nicest and at the same time easiest and most adaptable Eriocaulon species in the aquarium hobby. Eriocaulon parkeri is spread along the Atlantic coast of North America, from Quebec in Canada to the US state North Carolina. In contrast to many other Eriocaulons, it grows in tidal mudflats and estuaries at the coast, in fresh to slightly brackish water. It resembles Eriocaulon aquaticum that occurs in acid, low-mineral bog waters. Until now Eriocaulon parkeri is mostly available from hobbyists. This species forms quite compact, light green, silverish leaf rosettes. Its stiff, narrow, arching leaves reach a maximum length of about 9 cm but mostly stay smaller under aquarium conditions. The plant forms daughter rosettes at the base. Occasionally it develops inflorescences with long, thin stems. When the flower heads stay below the water surface, they may develop adventitious plantlets instead of flowers. Although Eriocaulon parkeri is rather undemanding, we recommend good lighting, a nutrient-rich substrate and CO₂ addition. It can be propagated by splitting, that means detaching of daughter plants. This North American Eriocaulon species deserves popularity in the aquarium hobby. It looks best as a small, loose group in the foreground or midground. If its inflorescences are visually unwelcome, they can be plucked without damage to the plant. Eriocaulon parkeri is possibly also suitable for cold water tanks because it originates from the temperate climate zone.

Small Eriocaulon from North America Bright green coloration No high demands

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