
AQUATIC PLANTS OF FRESHWATER 

of these F. antipyrotica, F. gigantea and F. gracilis are most easily obtained 
and best serve for aquarium purposes. The young foliage has a fine green 
color but changes to a dusky brown with age. A few sprigs, attached to 
the stone upon which they grew or in soil may be introduced if the 
aquarium is exposed to a good light. 
Fontinalis antipyretica (Linn.) or Willowmoss, Watermoss, Fig. 127’, 
has broad ovate and acuminate entire sharply plicate leaves with the 
borders reflexed on the side towards the base, in two or three rows, more 
or less imbricated and sharply keeled. 
The bracts are also closely imbricated 
and the capsules ovate-oblong with a 
conical lid and bright coral-red per- 
istome or cap. The plant adheres 
to rocks, submerged wood and stones 
in rivers and cold-water streams, and 
flowers in summer. Its name is in 
allusion to the use for which it is often 
applied, that of filling in between 
chimneys and walls to exclude the air 
and prevent the spread of fire. It is X Ry: y gy 
a fairly good oxygenator. \ Wee 
Fontinalis gracilis (Schp.) Fig. 
1277 is a generally distributed species 
very much more slender and mosslike 
than the above, with divided stems 
considerably denuded of leaves at the 
base. The tiny leaves are narrow and 
often split to the keel, the carpels 
i 
LAN 

smaller and usually contracted below ‘ 
the mouth. Common to most ponds, SOE: 
rivers and often rapid streams, some- FIG. 127. Willowmoss. 1. Fontinalis antipyratica 
. i i with enlarged leaf and fruit carpel. 2, Fontinalis 
times associated with the above. gracilis. Reduced one-third. 
Fontinalis gigantea (Sull.) is a very robust Willowmoss, less branched 
than the above with wide leaves, less acute or curved at the base, of a 
coppery brown color, having small capsules and less perfect peristomes. 
Found attached to stones and stumps by the side of the water, but less 
generally distributed than the two above species, and in more southern 
latitudes. 
There are a number of other varieties of the Watermosses which are 
more rare and not so often met with. Their purpose in the aquarium 1s 
more for their singular and interesting appearance than special utility. 
200 
