Eleocharis acicularis – Dwarf Hair Grass
Eleocharis acicularis was first described by Linnaeus in 1753 as Scirpus acicularis, and later reclassified by Roemer & Schultes in 1817 to its present name Eleocharis acicularis. Commonly, the plant is called Dwarf Hair Grass, Needle Spikerush or Least Spikerush. The plant belongs to the family Cyperaceae, also known as the Sedges family.
The genus name Eleocharis is derived from the Greek words “elos” (marsh) and”chairo” (love), referring to the plant ‘ s preference for marshy habitats. The species name acicularis comes from the Latin”acicularis”, meaning “needle-shaped”, a reference to the plant’s narrow, needle-like leaves.
Synonyms
Eleocharis acicularis has been described many times. This has resulted in a number of synonyms: Baeothryon trichoides, Chaetocyperus acicularis, Chaetocyperus trichodes, Clavula acicularis, Cyperus acicularis, Eleocharis atricha, Eleocharis chaetaria, Eleocharis comosa, Eleocharis costata, Eleocharis nervata, Eleocharis triangularis, Eleocharis trichoides, Eleogiton exigua, Isolepis acicularis, Isolepis exigua, Isolepis longifolia, Isolepis uliginosa, Limnochloa acicularis, Mariscus acicularis, Scirpidium aciculare, Scirpus acicularis.
Description of Eleocharis acicularis
Eleocharis acicularis, also known as Dwarf Hair Grass, is a plant with long, grass-like stems growing from a creeping rhizome (rhizome). The leaves are very thin, almost hair-like, and needle-shaped. The color of the leaves is light green, with no specific patterns or markings. The maximum height of the plant is about 12-15 centimeters in an aquarium environment, but may be shorter in swampy conditions. In ponds, height can vary depending on water depth; in shallow water, the plant can grow up to 15 centimeters tall, while submerged plants often do not flower and remain shorter.
Inflorescence
Eleocharis acicularis produces flowers, but only when the plant is above water or growing in shallow water. The flowers are small, less than five millimeters in diameter, and are in small, sharply pointed, lanceolate flowers (spikelets) about six millimeters long. The inflorescence is a single flower, at the end of a spike. The flowering time is in summer. Submerged plants usually do not flower.
Biotope
Eleocharis acicularis has a very widespread distribution and is native to Europe, Asia, North America and parts of South America, including Ecuador. In North America, the plant can be found from Alaska to Mexico and east to Florida. In Europe and Asia, the plant is widespread. The plant occurs in in swamps, temporary pools, lakes, ponds, streams and along the muddy banks of rivers and streams
The soil where Eleocharis acicularis grows consists of wet, often bare soil, muddy banks, sand, silt and peaty areas. In aquaria, the plant thrives in fine-grained substrate such as sand or fine gravel. In ponds, the plant can also grow in nutrient-poor substrate.
The Aquarium
For optimal growth in the aquarium, Eleocharis acicularis requires slightly acidic to slightly alkaline water (pH 6.0-7.5) with medium hardness (KH to 10). The optimal temperature for Eleocharis acicularis in an aquarium is between 10°C and 30°C. Thus, the plant is relatively tolerant of temperature variations.
The plant gets its nutrition from both substrate and water, so soil fertilization is recommended, supplemented with liquid fertilizers. Although the plant can also grow without CO2 addition, growth will improve significantly with CO2 addition. The plant needs lots of light, about 0.5 watts per liter or more, with a color temperature of 5000 to 7000 Kelvin (daylight to cool white light), for 10-14 hours a day. The more light, the lower the plant will stay.
Eleocharis acicularis can be pruned to promote dense, carpet-like growth underwater. By regularly trimming off the upper parts of the plant, you encourage the growth of new shoots from the rhizome, resulting in a fuller, more compact carpet. However, pruning should be done in moderation so as not to damage the plant. When pruning, use a good pair of aquarium scissors. Carefully remove the cut parts with a soft fishing net to avoid leaving dirt on the plant.
The Pond
In or around a pond, Eleocharis acicularis is best planted in a plant cage filled with aquatic soil (preferably with silt, sand or mud) and covered with a thin layer of gravel to prevent leaching. The plant can be planted either completely underwater or at the edge of the pond, depending on the desired depth. The plant can grow up to 45 cm under water. The plant thrives best in full sun or partial shade, but does not tolerate shade. In shallow water the plant will flower, but submerged plants usually do not flower.
Propagation of Eleocharis acicularis
Eleocharis acicularis can be propagated in several ways, both in the aquarium and in the pond:
Through division of the rhizome:
This is the most common and simplest method. The plant forms a creeping rhizome from which new shoots develop. To propagate the plant, carefully dig up part of the rhizome, carefully separating it from the mother plant. Make sure that each part contains a number of healthy shoots and roots. Then replant the sections in the substrate, at the desired distance from each other. This method is suitable for both aquariums and ponds. In aquaria, it is often sufficient to separate part of the rhizome with adherent shoots and replant. In ponds, it may be necessary to cut the rhizome with a sharp knife.
Via cuttings:
Although less common than rhizome division, Eleocharis acicularis can also be propagated via cuttings. To do this, take a number of healthy stems about 5-10 cm long. Then plant these cuttings in the substrate, making sure that the lower nodes are in contact with the substrate. This method is less reliable than rhizome division, but can be successful under optimal conditions. This method is especially suitable for aquaria.
Through seed (in nature):
In nature, the plant also reproduces by seed. The plant produces small seeds that are dispersed by wind or water. However, this method is not practical for aquarium or pond keepers, since flowering and seed formation is often limited in aquariums and ponds. The plant blooms only when the plant is above water or growing in shallow water.
Conclusion
Eleocharis acicularis, or needle grass, is a versatile and relatively easy to keep plant, suitable for both aquariums and ponds. The plant forms dense, grassy mats that give a natural appearance and provide a good hiding place for smaller aquarium inhabitants. Although the plant can grow under a variety of conditions, it thrives best in bright light, CO2 addition and a nutrient-rich substrate. Propagation is easy via rhizome division.
Its great variability in shape and size, depending on growing conditions, is a striking feature. The plant is a good choice for beginners, but optimal growth requires attention to light intensity and nutrition. Its ability to absorb heavy metals is an interesting ecological feature, although less relevant in the context of aquarium or pond husbandry.
Video
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
John de Lange
Chris Penny – CC BY 2.0
