Staurogyne 'Bihar'

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the state of Bihar in northern India. It grows primarily as an amphibious or marsh plant along the margins of slow-flowing rivers and streams, adapting to submersed conditions during seasonal flooding.

Taxonomy & Genetics: Belongs to the Acanthaceae family, genus *Staurogyne*. It is closely related to *Staurogyne repens* but is significantly larger. It remains formally undescribed scientifically, hence the placeholder name sp. 'Bihar'.

Physical Structure: Features upright, sturdy stems that can reach 15-30 cm in height. The submersed leaves are unique, displaying serrated or deeply lobed (pinnatifid) margins, giving them a feathered or jagged appearance depending on light levels.

Color & Texture: Submersed leaves range in color from olive green to bronze-brown, with purplish or reddish hues on the undersides under high light. The leaves have a leathery, slightly textured feel.

Lighting & CO2: Requires moderate to high lighting to promote deeply lobed leaves and compact growth. CO2 supplementation is highly recommended to encourage bushy growth and prevent the lower stems from shedding leaves.

Nutrition & Substrate: Benefits greatly from a nutrient-rich substrate containing iron and microelements. It absorbs nutrients through both its root system and leaves, requiring regular liquid dosing of macronutrients and micronutrients.

Water Chemistry: Adapts to a wide range of water parameters: temperature between 20°C and 28°C, pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard water (GH 4-15, KH 3-10). Prefers clean, well-filtered water.

Space Management & Placement: Due to its height and vigorous growth, it is best placed in the midground or background of medium to large aquariums. It tends to form wide, bushy clumps that require sufficient space to spread.

Pruning: Pruning is done by cutting the tops of the stems. This stimulates lateral shoots, resulting in a bushier appearance. The severed cuttings can be replanted into the substrate for propagation.

Risks & Diseases: Under low light or nutrient deficiencies, the lower leaves may rot and fall off. The large, relatively slow-growing leaves can attract black beard algae (BBA) if tank nutrients are unbalanced.