Limnophila barteri

One of many new plants in the aquarium hobby in 2008 was Limnophila sp. "Guinea Broad-Leaf". Since then, it has spread rapidly among hobbyists (at least in the USA, whereas it is rather little known in Europe). With the help of Rick van der Tuin (Niederlande), Christel Kasselmann succeded in determining the plant in its emersed, flowering form as Limnophila barteri (Facebook post from 12. August 2021). This species is widespread in tropical Africa, from Senegal in the west to Tanzania and Zambia in East Africa. As it doesn't seem suitable for commercial reproduction, swapping or trade with other hobbyists or bying in specialised shops seems to be the only way to obtain this special Limnophila.

The shape of the submersed leaves of Limnophila barteri is somewhat in the middle between the pinnate-leaved Limnophila species like e.g. Limnophila indica and those like L. aromatica, which keep their lanceolate undivided leaf shape even when kept under water. They grow on the stem in whorls, are of a light green colour, pinnately lobed and remind somewhat of celery leaves. Under "full sun" the leaves may be much finer.
As it is a small, delicate plant, L. barteri should not be used in the background like other Limnophila species. Instead, it is very nice as bushy plant in the middleground, like e.g. Bacopa australis, and it can be formed into contoured hills just by trimming.

Cultivation is not overly difficult if the conditions it is kept in are favourable. First and foremost, Barter's Limnophila needs a good macronutrient supply to prevent it from withering away. The first symptoms of a macronutrient deficiency are transparent spots on the leaves and, after that, decomposing leaves.
It is furthermore unfavourable if the plant grows in a shaded place, and if CO₂ and iron levels decrease, or if the water current slows down. If its demands are met, this plant is a lush and fast grower, and its stems throw many lateral shoots, which can be used as cuttings for propagation.

When it is grown in its emersed form, the plant develops hirsute sprouts with ovate leaves showing parallel veins, which look totally different from the submerged leaves. Its tiny, inconspicuous flowers appear in the leaf axils, followed by fruit capsules with tiny black seeds.