Blyxa alternifolia

Blyxa alternifolia is a synonym of Blyxa japonica var. alternifolia; in 1983 the species was placed under B. japonica as a variety.¹² Smooth seeds characterise var. japonica, spiny, warty or ribbed ones var. alternifolia.¹³ Its small range extends from Vietnam to Sumatra and Borneo, and according to POWO also to Japan.¹²

Plants under this name are rare in the trade; instead of a bushy rosette like B. japonica they form a long, upright stem.¹ The var. recurvifolia, known only from cultivation, apparently also circulates under this name; whether genuine var. alternifolia is traded remains open.¹ Acidic, soft and low-mineral water is considered essential for B. japonica; according to the literature both varieties are cultivated.³

1. Blyxa japonica var. alternifolia – Flowgrow aquatic plant database (accessed 5 October 2026)
2. Blyxa japonica var. alternifolia – Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (WCVP data as of 4 June 2026, accessed 5 October 2026)
3. Kasselmann, C. (2019): Aquarienpflanzen. 4th edition (German). - Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart: p. 180.