192 



AQUATIC PLANTS 



March. Later the stems and leaves will be longer. In October a 

 new growth starts close to the thick, running root or rhizome. The 

 leaves of this Spatterdock are of the brightest green hue and do not 

 darken in strong light. Where the rhizomes, or thick runners,, have 

 been broken off they have a tendency to rot, eventually killing the 

 plant. This seems to be overcome by planting in good soil. 



Fig. 175. Japanese Sp.\tterdock (Half size) 

 The Japanese Spatterdock, AUsma spec, has leaves of a consider- 

 ably darker sage green, broader at the base. It is a continuous 

 grower, has no aerial leaves and multiplies readily at the rhizome. 

 Altogether a satisfactory plant for the large aquarium. 



FONTINALIS 



Known as Willowmoss, these plants are found attached to stones 

 or other substantial objects. The}- are of a pleasing dark-green color 

 and have the advantage of doing well in a subdued light, although a 

 moderate amount of direct sun does them no harm. 



Fontivalis antipyretica grows in long-branching form, with leaves 

 closely adhering to the stem. It occurs in cold-water streams. \'ery 

 plentiful in some localities, but not freely distributed. 



Foiitiiialis gracilis is very much smaller and thread-like, the leaves 

 being so small as to appear like a roughness on the stem. In the 



