Micro Chain Sword(Lilaeopsis Novaezelandiae)

Overview

Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae is a small, grass-like, perennial plant in the Apiaceae family (the same family as carrots and parsley) . It is native to New Zealand and Tasmania, where it grows in wet, temperate habitats .

Botanical Information & Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae (Gand.) A.W.Hill 

• Family: Apiaceae 

• Common Names: New Zealand Grass, New Zealand Lilaeopsis, Zealandia Chain Sword .

• Synonyms: The plant has a few taxonomic synonyms, including Crantzia novae-zelandiae and Lilaeopsis lacustris A.W.Hill .

• Status: This is an accepted species .

Physical Description

This plant has a distinct creeping growth form:

• Rhizome: It spreads via a creeping, rooting rhizome (underground stem) that grows horizontally, with new leaves and roots emerging at the nodes .

• Leaves (Phyllodes): The plant produces narrow, simple leaves that are often referred to as "phyllodes." They are linear to slightly spoon-shaped (spathulate) and can grow up to 12 cm long, though they are often much shorter, especially in aquarium settings .

• Flowers and Fruit: It produces small, simple umbels (flower clusters) with 3-4 flowers on short peduncles (stems) up to 2 cm long. The fruit is small (about 1.25 x 1.5-2 mm), ovoid, and has distinct ribs .

Natural Habitat and Distribution

• Native Range: The species is native to the South Island of New Zealand and Tasmania .

• Habitat: It grows in the temperate biome, typically in wet, lowland to lower montane areas. It is often found in damp mud, along the margins of lakes and estuaries, and in turf mats that are occasionally submerged . It is known to tolerate brackish (slightly salty) conditions in its natural habitat .

Uses and Cultivation

This plant is best known internationally as an popular aquatic plant in the aquarium trade .

As an Aquarium Plant

• Placement: It is highly valued as a foreground plant, where it can be used to create a dense, lush, grass-like "carpet" in aquascapes . It was famously used by the aquascaping pioneer Takashi Amano .

• Growth Habit: It spreads via runners to form a dense mat over time .

Care Tips