Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae

The name Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae is generally known in the aquarium hobby and trade, but according to Kasselmann (2010)¹ and information from the company Tropica, this name is erroneously used for Lilaeopsis brasiliensis. This is why L. brasiliensis, which originates from South America, is also called “Neuseelandgras” (New Zealand grass) or “Neuseeland-Graspflanze” (New Zealand grass plant) by aquarists and traders.

The true L. novae-zelandiae, on the other hand, is probably not in aquarium cultivation, so we have no information on whether it is suitable for aquariums and what its cultivation requirements are. This species occurs in New Zealand at brackish sites in the coastal area.²

Lilaeopsis ruthiana, also from New Zealand, has already been successfully cultivated in aquariums.² This species occurs not on the coast but inland, but is otherwise hardly distinguishable from L. novae-zelandiae.²

According to information from the company Tropica, Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae differs from L. brasiliensis in that the leaves are not flattened but cylindrical (circular in cross-section).³ According to Tropica, however, the cultivated plant is probably the Lilaeopsis ruthiana mentioned above.