Aquaristic Online

Microcarpaea Minima

Description

Microcarpaea Minima

Note:

Stock level shown reflects what is available at our supplier's nursery (not the real stock level at our retail outlet)
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Live plants order can be combined with Non Livestock order.
If the condition of the plant on the day of packing is below standard, we will contact you to discuss options.
We are unable to ship to WA and NT at this stage.

Microcarpaea minima is a small, delicate marsh plant from Southeast Asia, Japan and northern Australia that can also grow under water. It occurs in and around shallow, warm, periodic waters such as ponds and rice paddies and also on river banks. It is the only species of the genus Microcarpaea and, like Glossostigma, belongs to the family Phrymaceae.

In the terrestrial form, this plantlet forms low cushions with 3-5 mm long, narrow leaves and small pale purple flowers on very thin stems. Submerged, the stems grow flat-bushy to creeping in plenty of light and form a dense, flat cushion. In moderate light, the shoots grow rather upright, strongly branched and loosely in all directions, the leaves then becoming up to 20 mm long and 1-2 mm wide. This plant has a light, fresh green tone in the underwater form.

This plant is not too difficult to cultivate, but rather strong lighting, soft to medium hard water and CO₂ addition are recommended. It is considered warmth-loving, so the temperature should be at least above 20 °C. Planting the tender stems can be a little fiddly; they are best placed in the substrate with tweezers, either individually or in small clumps, spaced a little apart. The growing, spreading bushes can be kept low by pruning.

Microcarpaea minima is certainly still little known among aquascapers. It looks decorative as a low, light green bush or small carpet in the foreground to middle ground and fits well in small aquariums. With its almost needle-like narrow leaves and thin stems, it differs from many other foreground plants. This plant should also be interesting for well-lit emers set-ups in its cushion-like land form; you can then also expect its tiny flowers and fruit capsules.

Plant Profile

Common Name
Scientific Name	Microcarpaea Minima
Origin	Asia
Position	Background
Plant Structure	Stem
Lighting Need	Medium - High
CO2 Needs	Medium - High
Growth Rate	Medium