Eleocharis sp. "Belém"

Eleocharis sp. 'Belém' is the original trade name of the miniature spike-rush now usually listed as Eleocharis sp. 'Mini', which is also referred to as E. acicularis 'Mini' or E. pusilla.¹² Whether it really comes from the surroundings of the Brazilian city of Belém, as the name suggests, has not been established.¹² A Danish aquatic plant nursery was the first to bring it onto the European market, around 2012.¹

Its very thin, light green culms often bend sideways or downwards; the stated height is about 3–7 cm.¹² It suits the foreground and nano aquariums as a ground cover because its runners, which mostly grow underground, soon form a dense, lawn-like carpet.¹² Above all it needs good light.² A nutrient-rich substrate and added CO₂ are recommended and markedly promote growth, but it can also be kept without CO₂.¹²

1. Eleocharis sp. “Mini” – Flowgrow aquatic plant database (accessed 5 October 2026)
2. Eleocharis sp. 'Mini' – Aquasabi (accessed 5 October 2026)