Rotala sp. "Araguaia"

Rotala sp. “Araguaia” is the original trade name of a form of Rotala mexicana said to come from the Rio Araguaia in Brazil; it was the first form of the species on the market.¹⁴ R. mexicana (synonym Rotala pusilla) is an annual member of the loosestrife family from the tropics and subtropics of the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia.² Submersed, this form grows upright with whorls of four narrow, pointed leaves on reddish stems.¹⁴

It is regarded as demanding and needs very bright light, a balanced supply of macro- and micronutrients and plenty of CO₂ in soft, acidic water.¹⁴ Blackening, stunted size and disturbed growth indicate that even one of these factors is lacking.¹ It is propagated from cuttings; it suits the midground and background and also grows emersed.¹³

1. Rotala mexicana “Araguaia” – Flowgrow aquatic plant database (accessed 5 October 2026)
2. Rotala mexicana – Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (WCVP data as of 4 June 2026, accessed 5 October 2026)
3. Rotala Mexicana “Araguaia” – knowledge base, The Barr Report (accessed 5 October 2026)
4. Kasselmann, C. (2019): Aquarienpflanzen. 4th edition (German). - Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart: p. 532.