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PlantFreshwaterIntermediate
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Aeschynomene fluitans
Aeschynomene fluitans
Aeschynomene fluitans is a remarkable floating plant with velvety blue-green leaves that close rapidly when touched. It requires intense surface lighting and provides excellent shelter for small fish.
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Fabales
Family:Fabaceae
Genus:Aeschynomene
Species:Aeschynomene fluitans
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Water Temperature
4 - 32 °C
pH Value
6 - 7.5
Water type
Freshwater
Light
High
CO2
Low
GH
4 - 20 dGH
KH
2 - 15 dKH
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: The species Aeschynomene fluitans is native to the wetlands and slow-flowing rivers of tropical Africa, particularly in the Okavango Delta basin, where it floats freely on the water surface. In its natural environment, it is typically found in slow-flowing or stagnant waters, such as swamps, ponds, and tropical riverbanks, where it adapts beautifully to seasonal water level variations. This habitat provides a rich organic substrate and consistent, filtered light exposure. The plant's ability to grow both submersed and emersed is a testament to its extraordinary evolutionary resilience in these humid ecosystems.
Taxonomy & Genetics: From a taxonomic perspective, the plant belongs to the genus Aeschynomene, belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the large floating sensitive plant due to its leaf reaction. This phylogenetic placement places it within a group of vascular plants highly specialized for aquatic life. Genetically, species in this genus exhibit high phenotypic plasticity, meaning their outward appearance can vary drastically based on available light and nutrient conditions. Selection and hybridization efforts have led to the development of specific cultivars suited for aquarium cultivation.
Physical Structure: The morphology of this plant is characterized by spongy and lightweight floating stems, covered with compound pinnate leaves that close rapidly when touched or at night for self-defense. This structural conformation allows the plant to withstand moderate water currents and maximize the absorption of carbon dioxide and light. The root system is designed to anchor the plant firmly to the soil and absorb mineral nutrients. In aquariums, the vertical or creeping development provides excellent natural barriers and shelter zones for small fish and invertebrates.
Color & Texture: Aesthetically, the plant offers velvety blue-green foliage with reddish-brown stems and dark hanging roots, enriched by beautiful yellow pea-like flowers when grown emersed. The leaf texture, soft yet resilient to the touch, adds visual depth and a sense of naturalness to any aquascaping composition. The chromatic variation serves as an excellent color contrast compared to traditional, all-green plants. Under strong lighting and targeted fertilization, the intensity of the color reaches its maximum visual splendor.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting and CO2: Guidance about lighting and co2 for Aeschynomene fluitans must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Nutrition and Substrate: Guidance about nutrition and substrate for Aeschynomene fluitans must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Water Chemistry: Guidance about water chemistry for Aeschynomene fluitans must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Space Management and Positioning: Guidance about space management and positioning for Aeschynomene fluitans must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Pruning: Guidance about pruning for Aeschynomene fluitans must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Risks and Disease: Guidance about risks and disease for Aeschynomene fluitans must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The species Aeschynomene fluitans is native to the wetlands and slow-flowing rivers of tropical Africa, particularly in the Okavango Delta basin, where it floats freely on the water surface. In its natural environment, it is typically found in slow-flowing or stagnant waters, such as swamps, ponds, and tropical riverbanks, where it adapts beautifully to seasonal water level variations. This habitat provides a rich organic substrate and consistent, filtered light exposure. The plant's ability to grow both submersed and emersed is a testament to its extraordinary evolutionary resilience in these humid ecosystems.
Origin
Africa and Madagascar
Plant profile
- Placement
- No verified data available
- Botanical form
- No verified data available
- Growth
- No verified data available
- Substrate
- No verified data available
- Column fertilization
- No verified data available
- Root fertilization
- No verified data available
- Trimming
- No verified data available
- Propagation
- No verified data available
- Nutrients
- No verified data available
- Sensitivity
- No verified data available
- Layout role
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
