Anubias barteri var. coffeifolia

This plant from the Anubias barteri complex was long known as Anubias barteri "Coffeefolia" or "Coffeifolia". Recently, Christel Kasselmann (2010) described it as a variety (var. coffeifolia) or Anubias barteri. It can be discerned from other A. barteri varities by its orange-brown sprouting leaves that turn dark green later on. Its new leaf stalks are brownish red, and the tissue between the lateral veins is strongly arched, which strongly reminds of the leaves of the coffee bush (Coffea).

This plant grows very slowly when cultivated sumbersed. It has a creeping rhizome and should (like all other varieties of Anubias barteri) be bound to rocks or driftwood with twine. There it will attach itself with its roots. Its emersed form can be quite decorative in shaded areas of paludaria, too.

To be continued...