Eleocharis sp. "montevidensis"

The name "Giant hairgrass" probably best describes the appearance of this unusual grass-like plant. This spikerush is on the market as Eleocharis montevidensis, but in our opinion it has not yet been definitively identified. That is why we are labelling it Eleocharis sp. "montevidensis" for the time being. The plant looks very similar to the unidentified Eleocharis sp. "Xingu" and is possibly identical.
There is another "Giant hairgrass", which is called "E. montevidensis" by ADA, but is certainly a different species. It forms much finer culms. We sell this plant under the name Eleocharis sp. "Montevidensis ADA".
The culms (stems) of Elecharis sp. "montevidensis" are about 30 - 50 cm long and about 1 mm thick. They are attached to a thin, branching rhizome that creeps underground. Submerged, the plant forms both tufts and single culms. It spreads moderately quickly with its runner-like rhizomes and forms a tall "meadow" with an open, transparent growth pattern. When the rather weak culms reach the surface, they can grow out of the water, but usually tip over, especially when the water is changed, and then lie on the surface in an arch.
In the terrestrial form, the culms often remain shorter and develop brown spikelets at the tips of the stems. The emersed plant forms a dense tuft or turf with overhanging culms.

Eleocharis sp. "montevidensis" is a fairly easy aquarium plant, but at least moderate light intensity is recommended. The addition of CO₂ is not a must, but will greatly promote growth, as will the supply of nutrients via the substrate. The plant may need some time to acclimatise and start growing. As with Eleocharis sp. "Xingu", we recommend a temperature range of around 16 - 28 °C. In the case of lush growth, stolons may need to be removed and can then be replanted elsewhere. We recommend not shortening long culms if possible, otherwise the cut surface will turn yellow and unsightly.

Eleocharis sp. "montevidensis" is an interesting plant in terms of design, which is particularly effective in tanks at least 40 cm high. With its open, translucent growth pattern, it is not only suitable for the background; tufts in the centre and front of the aquarium are also attractive and enhance the depth effect of the aquascape. This Eleocharis also appears interesting for biotope aquaria; similar grass-like submerged plant populations can often be seen in underwater footages of South American waters.
In its emersed form, this spikerush with its fine grass-like tufts should be interesting for paludariums and Wabi-Kusa.