Echinodorus ovalis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Alismatales
Family:	Alismataceae
Genus:	Echinodorus
Species:	E. ovalis
Binomial name
Echinodorus ovalis Wright in Sauvalle Fl. Cub. 564, 1871

In Rataj's taxonomy Echinodorus ovalis is in Section Cordifolii, Subgenus Echinodorus. It is related to Echinodorus cordifolius and listed by some authorities and importers as a synonym of that species, e.g. E. cordifolius 'ovalis'.

Description

Leaves 40 – 50 cm long, blades ovate or oval, at the tip blunt, at the base decurrent or abrupt, 7.5 – 19 cm long x 3 – 10 cm wide, trimmed with very distinct pellucid lines.

Stem prostrate, 80 – 90 cm long, proliferous. Inflorescence racemose, having 4 - (6) whorls. Bracts shorter than pedicels, 0.8 - 1.5 cm long, shallowly connate, pedicels about 4.5 cm long. Sepals with smooth ribs quite unlike the muricate (warty) ribs of the similar E. cordifolius. Achenes probably with 3 facial glands.

Most specimens seem to have few flowers.

Distribution

It is endemic to Cuba.

Cultivation

Easy to cultivate and suitable for the smaller aquarium. Prefers a moderate to good light and a reasonably rich substrate. The flower stem will root naturally in submersed conditions.