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PlantFreshwaterIntermediate

Ammannia gracilis

West African amphibious plant. Needs intense lighting and continuous CO2 to develop characteristic warm, vibrant reddish hues and prevent leaf shedding.

Taxonomy

Class:Liliopsida

Order:Myrtales

Family:Lythraceae

Genus:Ammannia

Species:Ammannia gracilis

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Water Temperature

12 - 32 °C

pH Value

5 - 7.5

Water type

Freshwater

Light

Medium - High

CO2

Low - High

Expected height

50 cm

Expected width

20 cm

0 - 14 dKH

Species description

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Ammannia gracilis is native to the wetlands of West Africa, particularly found in countries like Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea. In its natural habitat, it grows as an amphibious plant along slow-flowing riverbanks, drainage canals, and temporary marshes exposed to full tropical sun. During the wet season, it lives completely submerged in warm, nutrient-rich waters, whereas in the dry season, it adapts to an emersed form on muddy soils, where it blooms producing small purple flowers.

Taxonomy & Genetics: It belongs to the Lythraceae family, genus Ammannia, which is known to include several fast-growing marsh species. Genetically, Ammannia gracilis is closely related to species like Ammannia senegalensis, with which it is frequently confused. The plant exhibits high phenotypic plasticity: its genetic expression responds drastically to light intensity and iron availability, modifying leaf shape from lanceolate to linear and stimulating the production of reddish pigments (anthocyanins) as a protective mechanism against intense light.

Physical Structure: It is an erect stem plant that can easily reach 50 cm in height and 20 cm in bush width in the aquarium. It features sturdy, fleshy, tubular stems from which opposite and decussate leaves branch out. Submerged leaves are long, narrow, wavy, and delicate in texture, whereas emersed leaves are shorter, thicker, and spatulate in shape. The root system is vigorous, anchoring deeply into the substrate.

Color & Texture: The coloration of Ammannia gracilis is one of its most spectacular features: under optimal conditions, the submerged leaves range from pale pink to copper-red, orange, or deep purple. The leaf underside retains a very bright pinkish-purple hue. The leaf texture is smooth and almost translucent under light, with fine veins creating a delicate chromatic contrast with the rest of the blade.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Lighting & CO2: It requires intense lighting to develop its characteristic warm colors; under weak light, the plant turns a dull green, and the lower stems shed their leaves. Continuous carbon dioxide (CO2) injection at levels of 20-30 mg/L is essential to support its fast photosynthesis rate and promote thick, healthy stems.

Nutrition & Substrate: A fertile substrate is recommended to support root development.

Water Chemistry: It tolerates a wide temperature range, from 12°C to 32°C, with an optimal range between 22°C and 28°C. It prefers soft to moderately hard water (KH 0-14 dKH) and a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.0-7.5). Regular water changes help keep organic pollutant levels low, which the plant does not tolerate well.

Space Management & Placement: Due to its significant height and width, it must be placed in the background or middle zone as an accent plant. Plant individual stems at least 4-5 cm apart to prevent them from shading each other, which leads to lower leaf loss.

Pruning: It grows very fast and requires regular pruning. It is recommended to cut the top part of the stem (tip) and replant it in the substrate; the bottom part left behind will produce numerous lateral shoots. If the bush becomes too dense and shaded at the base, it is better to uproot the old base and replant only the young, healthy tops.

Risks & Diseases: It is sensitive to potassium and iron deficiencies, which manifest as perforated, fragile, or pale leaves. Growing tips can deform or turn black in case of macronutrient imbalances or calcium deficiency. Due to the tender texture of its leaves, it can be targeted by pest snails or herbivorous fish.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Ammannia gracilis is native to the wetlands of West Africa, particularly found in countries like Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea. In its natural habitat, it grows as an amphibious plant along slow-flowing riverbanks, drainage canals, and temporary marshes exposed to full tropical sun. During the wet season, it lives completely submerged in warm, nutrient-rich waters, whereas in the dry season, it adapts to an emersed form on muddy soils, where it blooms producing small purple flowers.

Origin

Africa and Madagascar

Plant profile

Placement: Midground
Botanical form: Stem
Growth: Fast
Substrate: High
Column fertilization: Recommended
Root fertilization: Recommended
Trimming: Regular
Propagation: Cuttings
Sensitivity: HIGH
Layout role: accent, Midground, Background

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.

Variants and close relatives

Same atlas type, nearby scientific identity, genus, or family.

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Origin

Plant profile

Image gallery

Related species

Variants and close relatives

Ammannia capitellata

Golden Nesaea

Ammannia latifolia

Ammannia crassicaulis

Ammannia praetermissa

Ammannia sp. 'Bonsai'

Senegal Ammannia

Golden Nesaea

Three-flower Nesaea

Ammannia mauritiana

Rotala sp. 'Colorata'

Rotala sp. 'Green'

Rotala sp. "H'Ra" ("Gia Lai")

Rotala pusilla

Rotala rotundifolia 'Green'

Rotala rotundifolia "H'Ra" ("Gia Lai")

Recommended companions

Anubias nana

Orange dwarf crayfish (CPO)

Malaysian Trumpet Snail

Anubias "nangi"

Anubias barteri var. angustifolia

Anubias barteri var. barteri

Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia

Anubias barteri var. coffeifolia

Anubias barteri var. glabra

Anubias gilletii

Anubias heterophylla

Aponogeton rigidifolius

Anubias gracilis

Acorus gramineus

Ramshorn Snail

Ceratopteris richardii

Similar care

Nesaea crassicaulis

Nesaea sp. 'Red Leaved'

Nesaea praetermissa

Rotala sp. 'Vietnam'

Rotala rotundifolia 'Colorata'

Rotala sp. ''Nanjenshan''

Rotala sp. 'Enie'

Rotala sp. "Long Leaf"

Rotala rotundifolia 'Ceylon'

Rotala macrandra 'Green Narrow Leaf'

Rotala macrandra 'Green'

Rotala macrandra 'Mini Type 4'

Rotala macrandra 'Narrow Leaf'

Rotala macrandra 'Variegated'

Rotala hippuris

Rotala sp. "Araguaia"