Anubias afzelii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anubias afzelii |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Anubias
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| Species: |
afzelii
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Anubias afzelii is a type of plant that belongs to the Araceae family. This family includes many plants that grow in wet places. The Anubias afzelii was first described by a scientist named Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1857. He named the plant after Adam Afzelius, who collected it in Sierra Leone.
When Schott described Anubias afzelii, he also created the group, or genus, called Anubias. At first, Anubias afzelii was the only plant in this new group. This means it was the very first plant of its kind known to science!
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Where Does Anubias afzelii Live?
This interesting plant is found in West Africa. You can find it growing in countries like Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Mali.
What Does Anubias afzelii Look Like?
Anubias afzelii has long, thin leaves that feel a bit like leather. These leaves can grow up to 35 centimeters (about 14 inches) long and 13 centimeters (about 5 inches) wide. The stems that hold the leaves are usually shorter than the leaves themselves.
The plant grows from a thick, creeping stem called a rhizome. This rhizome grows along the ground and can be about 1 to 4 centimeters (0.4 to 1.6 inches) thick. It also has roots that help the plant stay in place.
When the plant flowers, it produces a special leaf-like part called a spathe. This spathe is usually 3 to 7 centimeters (1.2 to 2.8 inches) long, but sometimes it can be up to 9 centimeters (3.5 inches) long. Inside the spathe is a flower spike called a spadix. The spadix is a bit longer than the spathe, so its tip pokes out a little.
Where Does It Grow in Nature?
Anubias afzelii likes to grow in wet, shady spots. It often grows above the water, but it can also survive if it's completely covered by water sometimes.
- It usually flowers between late March and July.
- It produces fruits from April to September.
How to Grow Anubias afzelii?
This plant is popular for aquariums and paludariums (which are like aquariums but with both land and water). It grows best when only part of it is underwater and it has enough space.
- It doesn't need a lot of light, which makes it easy to care for.
- It prefers temperatures between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius (72-79°F).
- You can grow new plants by dividing its rhizome.
- It's also quite easy to grow new plants from its seeds.
