More info
Datasheet
| Aquarium Compatible | yes |
| Plant Outdoor | unknown |
| Plant Emersed Growth | yes |
| Plant Growth | medium |
| Temperature Tolerance | 18°C / 64.40°F - 30°C / 86.00°F |
| Light | medium-high |
| Nitrate (NO3-) | 10-50mg/lmg/l |
| Phosphate (PO43-) | 0.1-3mg/lmg/l |
| Potassium (K+) | 5-30mg/lmg/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01-0.5mg/lmg/l |
General Description
Acmella repens, scientifically known as Acmella répens (Walter) Rich. ex Pers., is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to regions in North, Central, and South America, ranging from the southeastern USA (Texas-North Carolina) to Paraguay and Mexico. This plant, with its yellow flowers, typically thrives in disturbed, wet, or drying-out environments. Acmella repens is closely related to the medical/spice plant paracress or jambú (Acmella oleracea).
Aquarium Suitability
This plant is rarely available commercially or from other aquarists, making it a somewhat uncommon find in the aquarium hobby. Aquarists in the USA have recently discovered that Acmella repens, collected in Texas, can be grown submerged, although it remains relatively unknown outside the country for aquarium use.
Demands and Hardiness
Acmella repens has medium difficulty in terms of care. It requires a moderate to high light intensity and thrives in water temperatures ranging from 18-30°C. The plant can tolerate varying levels of nutrients, including iron (Fe), nitrates (NO3-), phosphates (PO43-), and potassium (K+), within the specified ranges. Specific water parameter requirements can be found in the provided table.
Aquascaping & Usage
Acmella repens is suitable for background or midground placement in aquariums, offering a unique texture and visual appeal to aquascapes. With its stem type growth pattern and a width of 4-5cm, it can enhance the aesthetics of the aquatic environment.
Propagation
Propagation of Acmella repens is typically achieved through cuttings. This process allows for the creation of new plants from existing ones, aiding in the expansion of the plant population in aquarium settings.
Habitat and Distribution
In its natural habitat, Acmella repens can be found in regions that experience disturbances, wet conditions, or periods of drying-out. Its distribution ranges from Texas to Paraguay in the Americas, showcasing its adaptability to various environmental conditions within the specified range.