Anubias are popular mainly because they can live underwater. They can be found in many aquariums. If you look closely, you will not only discover green leaves. In between, a stalk protrudes, on which a flower is enthroned. What is there to say?
Some species of Anubia even flower under water
appearance of the flowers
Many species of Anubia can be admired in their native West Africa. But not all of them are cultivated in this country. But a handful of species are. Their flowers are species-specific, but there are also many similarities. This characterizes every Anubia flower:
- Anubia flower is reminiscent of a single leaf
- it consists of a pistil
- it is covered with a so-called spathe (sheath-like covering).
- the color is also mainly white-yellowish
- male flowers are located at the tip of the spadix
- they consist of 3-5 stamens
- the lower buttock section is female and scarred
- Peduncle is short or long, depending on the species
Notice:
The pollen usually mature a few days after the stigmas, which is why self-pollination is rather rare.
bloom under water
In their homeland, Anubias grow in humid areas, but not exclusively in water. However, some species actually manage to bloom under water in the aquarium. Other species, on the other hand, only flower when their long stalks are above the water. Pollination is only possible in these cases.
promote flowering
High phosphate values are recommended in the aquarium to counteract spot algae. It has been found that this also has a beneficial effect on flower formation. A value of 2 mg per liter is considered the ideal value.
Another factor also affects their flowering performance: light. Some species do well with shade. Others, on the other hand, want more brightness to flourish.
infructescence and seeds
Once the flowers have been pollinated, the fruit will form. They are correctly called berries in Anubia. It takes about 40 to 50 days for the seeds it contains to germinate. Some species even take 100 days to mature.
The seeds can be used for propagation. However, this is very time-consuming. The young plants also grow very slowly.