Sagittaria montevidensis

Montevideo arrowhead ( Sagittaria montevidensis )

The Montevideo - arrowhead ( Sagittaria montevidensis ), also called Argentinian arrowhead, a plant belonging to the family of plantain plants is ( Alismataceae ). Some botanists distinguish four subspecies.

Appearance

The Montevideo - arrowhead is a vigorous marsh plant whose young leaves grow submerged and ribbon-like. The leaves of older plants, however, are located above the water surface. They have thick and fleshy leaf stalks that are up to 3 inches thick. The medium green leaves are up to 28 centimeters long and 23 centimeters wide.

This species is monoecious getrenntgeschlechtig ( monoecious ). The flowers have a diameter of two to three centimeters. The perianth consists of three green sepals, three white petals and has a striking wine-red spot in the middle.

For a tropical plant, the Montevideo - Pfeilkraut tolerate unusual temperature fluctuations. It is capable of temperatures close to 0 degrees Celsius at short as well as to tolerate temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius.

Area of ​​distribution and habitat

The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America. It grows preferably standing on the edges and often only temporarily existing waters.

System

In addition to the nominate the following subspecies, varieties and forms are described:

• Sagittaria montevidensis subsp. calycina ( Engelm. ) Bogin
• Sagittaria montevidensis subsp. chilensis ( Cham. & Schltdl. ) Bogin
• Sagittaria montevidensis subsp. spongiosa ( Engelm. ) Bogin
• Sagittaria montevidensis var scabra
• Sagittaria montevidensis var spongiosa
• Sagittaria montevidensis f flaviflora
• Sagittaria montevidensis f immaculate
• Sagittaria montevidensis f maculata

Use

Unlike other species of the genus Arrow Herbs such as the flood ends Pfeilkraut the Montevideo arrowhead is not suitable for planting in the aquarium. Use it finds but occasionally in paludariums. In botanical gardens, the plant is also commonly seen.