Echinodorus 'Ozelot'

The hybrid Echinodorus 'Ozelot' was raised by Hans Barth of Dessau, who crossed E. 'Leopard' with E. × barthii; its name alludes to the spotted pattern, which recalls the wild cat of the same name.¹²⁴ At a width of 3–4 cm, the blades reach 10–15 cm in length and are narrowly elliptical in shape.¹³ As a leaf ages, its base colour changes from brownish red to dark olive green while the spots remain; the youngest leaves carry the darkest spots.¹²³⁴

The rosette, 20–50 cm tall, belongs in the midground or background and is regarded as suitable for beginners; a nutrient-rich substrate and additional fertilisation benefit it.¹²³⁴ Whether the spotting needs strong light is disputed: some sources presuppose intense lighting, while according to others the pattern does not fade even in low light.¹²⁴ Plantlets on the inflorescence and rhizome division are rare in the aquarium.¹