Variable Hygrophila

Family Acanthaceae. Variable Hygrophila is widespread in Southeast Asia. It grows in swamps, along the edges of water bodies and in rice paddies, introduced from Thailand.

The plant forms large sturdy bushes. Variable Hygrophila has a polymorphic leaf: in young and weak plants it is round, elliptic; then, gaining strength, the plant produces leaves with a toothed margin, and later deeply segmented ones. In vigorous specimens the fern-like leaves reach 20 cm in length and 12-15 cm in width. Usually the leaf is intensely green, but there is a garden form with whitish or light-green veins that creates an original pattern on the leaf blade. Out of the water the leaves again become elliptic. Light-green rosettes of leaves are an excellent ornament for large aquariums. In a small aquarium the plants are kept shortened, as they easily grow above the water surface.

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