Rotala sahyadrica Sahyadri Rotala

In most cases, new Rotalas in the aquarium hobby are just variants of long-known species such as Rotala rotundifolia or R. macrandra. In contrast, Rotala sahyadrica is one of the few new Rotala species in the proper sense. This Rotala was scientifically described in 2013 and named after the Sahyadri region in the northern part of the Western Ghats in India. There it was found in a lake on a lateritic plateau, in an elevation of about 900 meters. It seems that this species has only very recently been introduced as aquarium plant. At the moment (June 2019), the Sahyadri Rotala is still hardly known, but certainly one of the most noteworthy new aquarium plants. Under water it develops shoots with dense foliage in bright green tones. The stems ramify well in their upper parts, causing a bushy appearance of the plant. The slightly translucent submerged leaves are opposite, sessile, elongate-spathulate with round tip. There is not yet long-term experience with this new Rotala, however it grows well for us in soft water, with strong lighting, regular macro- and micronutrient supply, a CO₂ level of about 30 mg/L and in nutrient-rich aquasoil substrate. It has a moderate growth rate. As well as other stem plants, it can be propagated by stem cuttings. With its bushy, dense growth, Rotala sahyadrica is recommendable for the aquarium midground. Its distinctive structure and coloration make it a very attractive stem plant that contrasts well with dark green and red plants.

New, hardly known Rotala species from India Bright green tones Dense foliage Bushy, ramified growth habit

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