Mayaca sellowiana

Mayaca sellowiana is a very decorative submerged plant from tropical South America. Although it is quite well known by name, unfortunately it receives less attention than it deserves. This is certainly because many hobbyists erroneously assume that Mayaca sellowiana is just another name for Rotala sp. "Nanjenshan". This Rotala from Taiwan was mislabeled in the trade for many years as "Mayaca sellowiana". Actually Mayaca sellowiana differs markedly from Rotala sp. "Nanjenshan". Its stems are upright with denser, finer foliage and vivid light green tones. The shoots are broader than those of the better known Mayaca fluviatilis. In contrast to the fine-leaved Rotala species, the very narrow, delicate leaves of the Mayacas are not arranged in whorls along the stem but are alternate and very close together. The culture conditions for this species are about the same as those for Mayaca fluviatilis, however M. sellowiana seems to be a little more demanding in lighting, CO₂ and nutrient supply. Rather soft water is recommendable. As well as other stem plants, it is propagated by stem cuttings. This Mayaca is a real eyecatcher as a bigger stand in the midground to background and should be used more often in the aquascaping. It is also interesting for the combination with fine-leaved, reddish Rotalas such as R. wallichii and R. sp. "Vietnam".

Light green, fine-leaved stem plant Very dense foliage Little known Not to be confused with Rotala sp. "Nanjenshan"

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