Blyxa cf. vietii

Blyxa cf. vietii is an erroneous name for a stem plant that Asian nurseries have supplied now and then since about 2005, first as Blyxa vietii, later with “cf.” because of doubts about the identification.¹⁴ Kasselmann & Petersen (2014) identified it as Nechamandra alternifolia, a close relative of Vallisneria, and described the new subspecies subsp. angustifolia for it.¹⁴

The species ranges from the Indian subcontinent to south-eastern China and Indochina; the narrow-leaved subspecies occurs in Myanmar, Thailand and southern China.¹²⁴ Long, upright stems bear linear, light green, finely toothed leaves only 0.7–2 mm wide; runners form at the base.¹⁴ It grows very fast but needs warmth, light and plenty of CO₂ in soft, nutrient-rich water, and does not tolerate changes well.¹⁴ The similar true B. vietii is known only from southern Vietnam and is probably not kept in aquaria.¹³

1. Nechamandra alternifolia subsp. angustifolia – Flowgrow aquatic plant database (accessed 5 October 2026)
2. Nechamandra alternifolia – Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (WCVP data as of 4 June 2026, accessed 5 October 2026)
3. Blyxa vietii – Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (WCVP data as of 4 June 2026, accessed 5 October 2026)
4. Kasselmann, C. (2019): Aquarienpflanzen. 4th edition (German). - Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart: p. 476.