Gymnocoronis spilanthoides (Senegal Tea Plant) Care Guide
Gymnocoronis spilanthoides is a fast-growing South American stem plant and strong nutrient sink, but a regulated invasive species in the EU.
Overview
Gymnocoronis spilanthoides, known as the Senegal tea plant, is a vigorous aquatic stem plant of the family Asteraceae, native to South America. It grows quickly, provides cover and acts as a strong nutrient sink. When grown emersed it bears white pompom-like flowers. It is genus Gymnocoronis, first described by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle.
Taxonomy
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Gymnocoronis
- Scientific name: Gymnocoronis spilanthoides
- Common name: Senegal Tea Plant
Habitat
The plant is native to South America, where it grows in wetlands and slow waters. It has naturalised in several regions as an aquarium and ornamental escape and is treated as a potential invasive alien species.
Appearance
It produces elongated, bright green leaves on upright stems and can reach roughly 30–50 cm tall, making it suited to background planting. In the emersed form it flowers with white pompom-shaped heads.
Tank requirements
- Water type: freshwater
- Temperature: 18–28 °C (64–82 °F)
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- GH: 4–16 °dGH
- Lighting: medium to high; 8–12 hours daily
- CO2: not required, but supports lush growth
- Substrate: any; nutrient-rich substrate or liquid fertilisers help
- Placement: background
It is undemanding and grows fast, taking up nutrients rapidly, which makes it useful for nutrient export. Stems are spaced apart at planting to allow for vigorous growth, and frequent trimming is needed to control its size.
Propagation
Propagation is easy and by cuttings: a healthy stem is cut and replanted into the substrate to form a new plant.