exact origin uncertain, possibly Kalimantan (Indonesian part of Borneo)
This small stem plant was first known as Limnophila sp. "Mini" and is also called L. sp. "Kalimantan Mini". It was taken for the species Limnophila repens, however, according to Kasselmann (2010), its flower characteristics match those of Limnophila aromatica. It is therefore a dwarf form of L. aromatica. We do not have reliable information about its origin, however the trading name "Kalimantan Mini" implies that the plant was probably found in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo island.
Confusingly, there is also another small Limnophila form under the name L. aromatica "Mini", but that plant looks more similar to Limnophila hippuridoides and is provisionally called Limnophila cf. hippuridoides "Mini" by us.
Limnophila aromatica "Mini" stays much smaller than other customary forms of L. aromatica. The underwater leaves have a serrated edge and often do not exceed a length of 1 to 2,5 cm. They are arranged in pairs (opposite) or in whorls, mostly with 3 leaves. However, at Aquasabi company, this dwarf Limnophila got 3-5 cm long, 4-5 mm wide leaves, up to six per whorl, under intense lighting and ample CO2 and nutrient supply. Die shoots may reach a height of more than 30 cm, but the plant looks best when it is shaped into a group of about 10 to 20 cm.
The submerged leaves are beautifully brown-red with intense lighting. The leaf midribs and stems often remain light green, contrasting to the leaf surface. With moderate lighting, the leaves are rather light green. The stomata on the leaves are apparent under water as tiny silvery spots.
The emersed leaves are coarser than the underwater leaves and medium-green.
For further reading, see under "Culture" and "Design".
Limnophila aromatica "Mini" is one of the Limnophilas with entire submerged leaves that are generally more demanding than those with finely pinnate submerged foliage such as L. sessiliflora. As well as other L. aromatica forms and L. hippuridoides, the "Mini" looks especially nice with strong lighting, CO2addition, complete macro- and micronutrient supply and low to medium high carbonate hardness. Temperatures between about 22 and 26 °C are optimal. The plant also grows with moderate light, but then its leaves remain rather light green. As well as other stem plants, this Limnophila can be propagated by cuttings. It is best planted as a group, with a little space between the single shoots.
For further reading, see under "Design".
Although Limnophila aromatica "Mini" is known since at least the 2000's, it is not really common in the trade and aquarium hobby. This pretty small stem plant surely deserves more attention. With its brown-red and light green tones, it attracts attention as a group in the foreground and midground. It looks best as a rather low, not more than about 10 to 20 cm high group. With its small size, it is suitable for nano aquariums, and its upright growth habit makes it usable for "plant streets" in the Dutch aquarium style.
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