Anubias

Anubias are commonly freshwater aquarium plants, usually attached to rocks or bogwood. In contrast to most aquarium plants, Anubias generally prefer subdued lighting and can also produce flowers underwater. As fish tank plants, they should be placed in shaded areas, otherwise algae will develop on the leaves.

Anubias is a genus of aquatic and semi-aquatic flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to tropical central and western Africa. They primarily grow in rivers and streams, but can also be found in marshes. They are characterized by broad, thick, dark leaves that come in many different forms. The genus was revised in 1979 and since then its taxonomy has been stable. Species can be determined by using mostly characteristics of the inflorescence.

Reproduction and uses
Anubias are considered by many aquarists some of the easiest fish tank plants to maintain, since their light and nutrient requirements are very low and also because herbivorous fish will not eat it. This is why Anubias are some of the few freshwater aquarium plants which can be used with African cichlids and goldfishes.

Reproduction in artificial environments can be accomplished by stolon division or from side shoots. The stolon must always be above the substrate in order to survive, otherwise it will rot and the plant dies. It is also possible to propagate Anubias by seed.

The natural growth rate of all species in this genus is rather slow. Usually, they produce a leaf every 3 weeks, or even slower. Unfortunately, these are also among the few fish tank plants that do not respond to CO2 addition.

The most commonly available species of this genus is Anubias barteri Schott, which is very polymorphic and is subdivided into several varieties. The biggest representatives of the genus are Anubias gigantea Chevalier ex Hutchinson and Anubias heterophylla Engler. Their leaf-stems can grow up to 83 cm, with leaves 40 cm long and 14 cm broad with lateral lobes up to 28 cm long and 10 cm broad. The smallest representative is Anubias barteri var. nana (Engler) Crusio, with a height up to 10 cm and with leaves up to 6 cm long and 3 cm broad.

Anubias can best be grown emersed (above water). For this reason they may be used in paludariums.