Elodea Essay -- Papers

Elodea Elodea is a genus of aquatic plants often called water weeds. Elodea is native to North America and it is also widely used as aquarium vegetation. The introduction of some species of Elodea into waterways in parts of Europe, the Australia, Africa, Asia, and New Zealand has created a significant problem, and it is now considered a noxious weed in these areas. Elodea canadensis, sometimes called American or Canadican waterweed or Anacharis (a former scientific name) is widely known as the generic water weed. The use of these names causes it to be confused with similar-looking non-native plants like Brazilian elodea (Egeria Densa) or hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata). American waterweed is an attractive aquarium plant, and is a good substitute for Brazilian elodea since it is native to Washington's lakes, ponds and rivers. American waterweed is usually fairly easy to distinguish from its more notorious relatives, like Brazilian elodea and hydrilla. All of them have leaves in whorls around the stem. However, American waterweed has three leaves per whorl, whereas hydrilla and Brazilian elodea almost always have more than three leaves per whorl. Brazilian elodea is also a much larger, bushy plant with longer leaves. American waterweed also looks very much like another native elodea, Elodea nuttallii, which generally has three narrower leaves per whorl. The American waterweed lives entirely underwater with the exception of small white flowers which bloom at the surface and are attached to the plant by delicate stalks. It produces winter buds from the stem tips that overwinter on the lake bottom. It also often overwinters as ... ... semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It can grow in water. Potting: The Canadian Pondweed grows better in cooler water. In temperatures above 70Â º F, it becomes spindly. This plant can be grown under 8 to 10 feet of water and will easily reach the surface of the average water garden. This plant derives most of its nourishment from the water through its leaves; its roots serve mainly to anchor it to the bottom, therefore, they may be planted in sand or pea gravel as well as soil. They may be anchored down and just dropped into the pond or planted in containers of sand or gravel. If they are only floated in the pond, too much sunlight and air will kill it. If fish don't keep this plant in check, it will need to be pruned back to prevent it from choking other water plants and taking up swimming space for fish.