Herb's Introduction
Hygrophila polysperma, commonly known as Indian swampweed or Dwarf hygro, is a fast-growing aquatic plant native to South-East Asia. It belongs to the Acanthaceae family. This plant is a perennial herbaceous species that thrives in various aquatic environments, from stagnant ponds and marshes to slow-moving streams. Due to its hardiness and rapid growth, it has become a very popular plant in the aquarium trade, particularly for beginners. However, its invasive potential has led to it being classified as a noxious weed in some parts of the world, such as in the United States.
Name in Different Countries
In addition to its scientific name, Hygrophila polysperma is known by several common names.
English: Indian Swampweed, Dwarf Hygrophila, East Indian Hygrophila, Miramar Weed.
Chinese: 小狮子草 (Xiǎo shīzi cǎo).
German: Indischer Wasserfreund.
Russian: Гигрофила многосеменная (Gigrofila mnogosemennaya).
Tamil: Venkurinji.
Terminology The plant's scientific classification is as follows:
Kingdom: Plantae
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Hygrophila
Species: H. polysperma
The term "polysperma" is Greek for "many seeds," referring to the large number of tiny seeds produced in its capsules. This is a key characteristic that contributes to its ability to spread rapidly. It is also known by the synonyms Justicia polysperma and Hemidelphis polysperma.
Availability Hygrophila polysperma is widely available in the aquarium trade due to its ease of cultivation and reproduction. It can be found at pet stores, through online retailers, and from fellow hobbyists. Its robust nature makes it a good choice for new aquarium setups as it can help quickly establish a stable aquatic environment. However, its sale is restricted or illegal in some regions, particularly in the U.S., where it is considered a federal noxious weed because of its potential to invade and disrupt native aquatic ecosystems.
External Look
The plant's appearance can vary depending on its environment.
Stems: The stems are creeping, brittle, and can grow very long, up to 6 feet in their native habitat. They are four-angled and can be easily fragmented, with new roots forming at the nodes.
Leaves: Leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stem. They are typically oval or elliptical with pointed tips, measuring up to 8 cm long. The color of the leaves can range from bright green to brown or reddish-pink, with the latter occurring under high light conditions.
Flowers: The flowers are small, solitary, and grow in the upper leaf axils. They are two-lipped and bluish-white to white.
Roots: It has a well-developed, rhizomatous root system that anchors it to the substrate.
Healing Properties
In traditional medicine, particularly in India, parts of Hygrophila polysperma have been used for their potential medicinal properties. Research has indicated the plant may contain various phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. The seeds are said to be used in some traditional medicine to treat conditions like facial paralysis, headaches, and stiff neck. Additionally, other species within the same genus, like Hygrophila auriculata (also known as Hygrophila spinosa), have been studied for their hepatoprotective (liver-protective), antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. It is important to note that these are traditional uses and not medical recommendations.
Advantages
The main advantages of Hygrophila polysperma are seen in its use as an aquarium plant.
Easy to Grow: It is one of the hardiest and most forgiving aquatic plants, able to tolerate a wide range of water parameters, including different pH levels and temperatures.
Rapid Growth: Its fast growth rate makes it excellent for quickly populating a new tank, helping to consume excess nutrients and outcompete algae.
Versatile: It can be grown both submerged in water or emersed in high-humidity setups like paludariums.
Aesthetic Appeal: The leaves can develop a beautiful pink or reddish tint under high light, adding color and visual interest to an aquarium.
Uses
Aquascaping: It is widely used in aquariums as a background plant due to its height.
Water Quality Management: By rapidly consuming nitrates and other nutrients, it helps maintain good water quality in an aquarium.
Food Source/Shelter: It can provide a natural shelter for small fish and shrimp.
Using Way (Care Guide for Aquarium Use) Hygrophila polysperma is a low-maintenance plant.
Planting: Plant individual stems into a nutrient-rich substrate, spacing them a couple of inches apart to allow for root development.
Lighting: It can grow under medium light, but a strong light source is recommended to encourage the reddish coloration of the leaves.
Nutrients and CO2: While it can survive without added fertilizers or CO2, supplemental CO2 and nutrients will significantly boost its growth and overall health.
Trimming: Due to its fast growth, regular trimming is essential to prevent it from overcrowding the tank and shading other plants. Cuttings can be replanted to propagate new plants.
Conclusion
Hygrophila polysperma is a highly adaptable and robust plant that has found a primary niche in the aquarium hobby due to its ease of care and rapid growth. While it is a valuable tool for aquascapers, its aggressive growth and ability to spread have made it an invasive species in many non-native environments. Beyond its ornamental use, it holds a place in traditional medicine, where its various phytochemicals are explored for their potential healing properties. Overall, it is a versatile plant with a significant impact, both as a beloved aquarium staple and as a cautionary tale of introduced species.
