Gymnocoronis spilanthoides

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides is a member of the daisy family from South America, recorded from Bolivia, western Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile.¹ It grows on fully sunlit banks of waters that are still or sluggish and sometimes carry water only temporarily.¹ Grown emersed, this marsh plant reaches up to 2 m in height; its hollow stems are green or wine-red, and the toothed leaves olive-green.¹

Under water it produces pale green, lanceolate leaves.¹ Good light is crucial, otherwise the stems stretch and the lower leaves rot; hardness and pH hardly matter.¹ A nutrient-rich substrate is not needed – it usually drives growth to an unwanted degree – and unwashed sand is sufficient.¹ Even single floating leaves, as well as side shoots, can be used for propagation.¹ White-and-green variegated plants in the trade show the symptoms of a viral infection and grow only moderately when submersed.¹