Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Myrtales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
capensis
ID:
406585

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Harv.) A.Fern. & Diniz

Source:
cmp

Year:
1957

Citation Micro:
Bull. Jard. Bot. État Bruxelles 27: 105 (1957)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000405917



Common Names

  • Rotala Capensis
  • Cape Rotala
  • Cape Rotala


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Synonyms

  • Rotala robynsiana A.Fern. & Diniz [unknown]
  • Suffrenia capensis Harv. [unknown]
  • Rotala sphagnoides H.Perrier [unknown]

Description

Rotala capensis (also called Cape spikerush, among many other common names) is a perennial grass-like plant that grows to a height of up to 8 inches. It has thin, grass-like leaves and small, white flowers that bloom in the summer. It is native to the United States and Canada and is commonly found in wet meadows, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and streams.

Uses & Benefits

Rotala capensis is used in aquariums as an ornamental plant. It is also used to improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and providing oxygen to the water.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Rotala capensis has small, white flowers with five petals. Its seeds are small and round, and its seedlings are thin and upright.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Rotala capensis is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach up to 3m in height. It is best grown in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Propagation is best done by cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from the current season’s growth and should be about 10-15 cm in length. Place the cuttings in a pot filled with a mixture of sand and soil and keep them moist until they have rooted. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be planted in the garden.

Where to Find Rotala capensis

Rotala capensis is a species of plant native to South America.

Rotala capensis FAQ

What is the scientific name of Rotala capensis?

Rotala capensis

What is the common name of Rotala capensis?

Red Rotala

What is the optimal temperature for Rotala capensis?

18-28°C

Species in the Rotala genus

Rotala cookii, Rotala thymoides, Rotala tripartita, Rotala vasudevanii, Rotala verdcourtii, Rotala tenella, Rotala welwitschii, Rotala verticillaris, Rotala stipulata, Rotala rubra, Rotala serpiculoides, Rotala serpyllifolia, Rotala simpliciuscula, Rotala smithii, Rotala stagnina, Rotala tenuis, Rotala stuhlmannii, Rotala subrotunda, Rotala gerardii, Rotala filiformis, Rotala fimbriata, Rotala floribunda, Rotala fluitans, Rotala longistyla, Rotala fysonii, Rotala gossweileri, Rotala fontinalis, Rotala cordipetala, Rotala elatinoides, Rotala diandra, Rotala lucalensis, Rotala ritchiei, Rotala pterocalyx, Rotala ramosior, Rotala myriophylloides, Rotala macrandra, Rotala malabarica, Rotala malampuzhensis, Rotala mexicana, Rotala nummularia, Rotala occultiflora, Rotala milne-redheadii, Rotala hippuris, Rotala illecebroides, Rotala indica, Rotala andamanensis, Rotala capensis, Rotala belgaumensis, Rotala halophila, Rotala dinteri,

Species in the Lythraceae family

Adenaria floribunda, Ammannia aegyptiaca, Ammannia alternifolia, Ammannia anagalloides, Ammannia aspera, Ammannia auriculata, Ammannia baccifera, Ammannia coccinea, Ammannia cordata, Ammannia crassicaulis, Ammannia crinipes, Ammannia debilis, Ammannia desertorum, Ammannia dodecandra, Ammannia elata, Ammannia gracilis, Ammannia latifolia, Ammannia linearipetala, Ammannia loandensis, Ammannia multiflora, Ammannia myriophylloides, Ammannia nagpurensis, Ammannia octandra, Ammannia passerinoides, Ammannia prieuriana, Ammannia prostrata, Ammannia quadriciliata, Ammannia robusta, Ammannia sarcophylla, Ammannia schaeferi, Ammannia senegalensis, Ammannia triflora, Ammannia uniflora, Ammannia urceolata, Ammannia verticillata, Ammannia wormskioldii, Ammannia calcicola, Ammannia heterophylla, Ammannia pauciramosa, Ammannia pubescens, Ammannia praetermissa, Ammannia andongensis, Ammannia angolensis, Ammannia angustifolia, Ammannia arnhemica, Ammannia aurita, Ammannia baumii, Ammannia bequaertii, Ammannia brevistyla, Ammannia burttii,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-2428326: Based on the initial data import
William Henry Harvey (1811-1866): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Harv.' in the authors string.
Abílio Fernandes (1906-1994): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'A.Fern.' in the authors string.
Manuel (de) Assunção Diniz: Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Diniz' in the authors string.