Cylindricfruit primrose-willow facts for kids
The cylindricfruit primrose-willow, also known as Ludwigia glandulosa, is a special plant. It lives in the southeastern United States. This plant is "amphibious," meaning it can grow both in water and on land. It can be partly or fully underwater. Ludwigia glandulosa grows slowly. It needs carbon dioxide to grow strong. If it doesn't get enough light, its leaves will turn greener.
Quick facts for kids Cylindricfruit primrose-willow |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ludwigia (plant)
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| Species: |
glandulosa
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Where Does It Live?
Ludwigia glandulosa grows in wetland areas. You can also find it in ditches along roads. It lives across most southern states in North America.
This plant is important to protect. It is a threatened species in Indiana. It is even more at risk in Maryland, where it is an endangered species. Protecting wetlands helps keep these plants safe. Sometimes, special care is needed to protect them from plants that don't belong there or from human activities.
How Does It Grow?
Ludwigia glandulosa can be a bit tricky to grow. It loves nutrients like phosphates and nitrates. Even a small amount helps it a lot.
This plant is a perennial, which means it lives for more than two years. It can grow up to about 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) tall. Ludwigia glandulosa needs warm temperatures and plenty of light to survive. It also prefers water with a pH level between 6 and 7.5.
Scientists study how plants like this react to changes in the environment. This helps us understand how climate change might affect where plants can live in the future. Some studies have shown that Ludwigia glandulosa seeds do not sprout well in flooded areas.
What Does It Look Like?
This plant is a type of herb or forb. It can grow up to about 40 centimeters (16 inches) tall. When it gets lots of light, its leaves turn a beautiful red or purple color. If it doesn't get enough light, the leaves will fade to green.
Another sign that the plant isn't doing well is if its lower leaves start to fall off. This happens before the whole plant dies.
Using This Plant
Ludwigia glandulosa is sometimes used in aquariums. People buy a few stems to add to their fish tanks. It can be a mid-ground plant or a background plant.
With enough light, its red and purple leaves make the aquarium look very nice. To help the plant grow well in an aquarium, people often add carbon dioxide regularly.
