%2020.jpg)
Echinodorus cordifolius, the spade-leaf sword or creeping burhead, is a species of aquatic plants in the Alismatales. It is native to Mexico, the West Indies, Central America, South America (as far south as Paraguay) and the southeastern United States (Texas to Florida and as far north as Iowa).[1][2]
Found in marshes, swamps, ditches and ponds. Blooms in the late summer to early fall.
Herbs, perennial, stout, to 100 cm; rhizomes present. Leaves emersed, submersed leaves mostly absent; petiole 5--6-ridged, 17.5--45 cm; blade with translucent markings distinct lines, ovate to elliptic, 6.5--32 ´ 2.5--19.1 cm, base truncate to cordate. Inflorescences racemes, of 3--9 whorls, each 3--15-flowered, decumbent to arching, to 62 ´ 8--18 cm, often proliferating; peduncles terete, 35–56 cm; rachis triangular; bracts distinct, subulate, 10–21 mm, coarse, margins coarse; pedicels erect to ascending, 2.1--7.5 cm. Flowers to 25 mm wide; sepals spreading, 10–12-veined, veins papillate; petals not clawed; stamens 22; anthers versatile; pistils 200–250. Fruits oblanceolate, plump, 3--4-ribbed, abaxially 1-keeled, 2--3.5 ´ 0.9--1.5 mm; glands 3--4; beak terminal,1--1.3 mm. 2n = 22.[4]
Echinodorus cordifolius is very easily recognized, as it is the only species with arching to decumbent inflorescences. In addition, it is the only one with papillate veins on the sepals.
Easily cultivated in neutral to soft water and tropical to sub-tropical temperatures. Rich substrate and good light. Common in the cultivated aquarium trade.
