Mayaca sellowiana

Time and again, the name Mayaca sellowiana is cited as synonym of Rotala sp. 'Nanjenshan'. This is not correct, however, as the species Mayaca sellowiana truly exists and has nothing in common with the genus Rotala. Easy explanation: Rotala sp. 'Nanjenshan' used to be in trade under the erroneous name "Mayaca sellowiana".
Whereas Rotala sp. 'Nanjenshan' has its leaves in whorls, the leaves of Mayaca sellowiana as well as those of other Mayaca species are alternate, and they are far closer to the stem.

Not much is known about true Mayaca sellowiana as aquarium plant, probably because it is often not discerned from Rotala sp. 'Nanjenshan'. Even though M. sellowiana is not rare in trade, apparently it is not cultivated in many aquariums. Its shoots are more compact and have denser foliage than those of Mayaca fluviatilis.
Mayaca sellowiana is a very decorative plant with dense, finely structured leaves, which deserves considerably more attention in the aquascaping hobby than it has now.

To be continued...