Anubias nana

Description

Anubias barteri is a West African species of Anubias, first described in 1860 by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott.It occurs in south-eastern Nigeria, Cameroon and on Bioko. The form of the leaf varies widely between varieties; in A. barteri var. barteri (known as the "broadleaf Anubias"), the leaves are leathery, and may grow to 12 inches (300 mm). The rhizome remains above the substrate, tethered to litter like rocks and wood. This plant grows well partially and fully submersed. In strong light, the leaves grow more quickly and remain more compact, but it tolerates a range of lighting. It prefers a temperature range of 72–82 °F (22–28 °C). It can be propagated by dividing the rhizome or by separating side shoots. If buried beneath a substrate, the rhizome may rot. Anubias is a genus of aquatic and semi-aquatic flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to tropical central and western Africa. They primarily grow in rivers and streams, but can also be found in marshes. They are characterized by broad, thick, dark leaves that come in many different forms. The genus was revised in 1979 and since then its nomenclature has been stable. Species can be determined by using mostly characteristics of the inflorescence. Because of the often shady places where the plants grow, the genus was named after the Egyptian god Anubis, the god of the afterlife. The genus was first described in 1857 by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott, with A. afzelii as its type species. Anubias, most notably the varying forms of A. barteri, are commonly used in aquariums, usually attached to rocks or bogwood. In contrast to most plants, Anubias generally prefer subdued lighting and can also produce flowers underwater. In the aquarium they should be placed in shaded areas, otherwise algae will develop on the leaves. Anubias are considered by many aquarists some of the easiest plants to maintain, since their light and nutrient requirements are very low and also because herbivorous fish will not eat it (with a few exceptions). This is why Anubias are some of the few plants which can be used in aquariums with African cichlids and goldfishes.