48 Fresh Water Aquarium 



like leaves, supported by the water, grow up- 

 right, without appearing stiff. The roots 

 are fibrous and take a firm hold in the gravel. 

 The plants are of different sexes and can 



Fig. 21. Tape-grass, Valisneria spiralis. 



be best distinguished by the flowers which 

 appear late in summer. The female flower 

 is supported by a long slender stem and ap- 

 pears as a green calix. When flowering it 

 stands slightly above the level of the water. 



