Ceratophyllum
- This page is about the aquatic plant. For the non vascular plant known as hornwort, see Anthocerotophyta
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Anatomy
Hornwort plants are the type of plants that are not attached to ground or gravel. And are not held down by the ground, by roots.These plants are burried at times underneath enough gravel to hold them down by rhizoids. Hornwort stems create thickets, for animal life under water. Rhizoids are root-like organs.[1] This plant is described as brittle, light, rootless. The Leaves are normally bright green, tough, flared-out and piecy, they are also once or twice forked, ¼"-1¼" long. The leaf is described as flat, with branched tips, spread out. The coarse is flimsy and has irregularly toothed leaves and keep their shape out of water. The stem is long and smooth, along with delicate just like the rest of the plant. Stem long, smooth, and delicate. Hornworts have about 0-3 branches per node. They are small plants, and grow up to 8"-12" long. In this plant, roots are definately absent.[2]
Ecology
A Prickly hornwort is seen as part of the under-water plant community. This type of hornwort necess true roots. These plants grow in quiet waters, generally preferring soft water with a low pH.[3] Hornworts, are found world wide, in many aquatic areas. As well as, Temperatures 50-77° F (10-25° C). As well as pH: 6.5 - 7.5dCH: 5-15°. [4]Hornworts may be found in lakes or ponds, even in Iowa ponds and lakes. They grow thick, along boat traffice. Since they're rootless they tend to float in the water in cooler temperatures, and sink down somewhat in warmer temperatures. Baby savor- The leaves growth is fine and dense which help harbor for baby livebearers. Fry swim within the hornwort leaves as well, the fry even eat the small and tiny animalcules that grow within the leaves.[5]This 'under-water weed' is very well known for growing in water, around boats, in dense blankets, and altering habitats. These plants may live in ponds, aquatic places, such as: fish tanks, jars etc.[6]
Aquarium use
Hornworts are good for an egg-laying place, for eggs, to egg scatterers. Non-sticky eggs get caught in the leaves of the hornwort. Baby fish and other sea creatures enjoy these plants. Some fish that lay their eggs are less likely to have their eggs eaten by preditors. Since, they are unseen within a hornwort. It is more difficult to find them within the leaves, and are a sort of camoflaug. Many people, tend to decorate their fish tanks with hornwort plants, for their fish. It is economically cheap and looks nice in an aquatic enviroment where it tends to live. Hornworts are easy to grow, and grow rapidly, they grow under just about any type of lighting this makes it easy for hornwort owners. This plant, also, keeps water healthy for fish. By obsorbing Carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and phosphates all go within it. It also absorbs fish wastes, and keeps the water clean.[7]
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References
- Ceratophyllaceae by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Prickly Hornwort Maine Volunteer, Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program, date unknown
- Hornwort Jasmine Brough, Animal World Publication, Date published unknown.
- How to grow and decorate with Hornwort Aqua land Pets plus, LA productions, 2003.
- Common Hornwort Earl J.S. Rook, VIC,14 April, 2004.
- Hornwort DOC, DOC, Date published unknown.
