Abstract The subspecies or variety classification of
Cryptocoryne spiralis is of great difficulty, caused by large
variability in leaf and flower morphology. There is
evidence in the literature on Cryptocoryne spiralis species
that the extant description of the species is an
amalgamation of two (or even more) different ecotypes,
which is strengthened by reports of Allopolyploidy, and
varying number of Chromosomes as reported by different
cytologists, a rare phenomenon in the family Araceae.
After extensive study of this species in its natural habitats
of western India and cultivation, based on ecotypes, we
propose to bifurcate this Species into two, Plaudis and
Aquatica ecotypes based on observed significant
differences in characteristics. Plaudis, Ephemeral,
lacustrine and wetland ecotype which cannot thrive in
Aquarium, does not grow well in any artificial conditions,
has spurt growth pattern in torrential Konkan rain and
becomes dormant in hot summers. Aquatica is riverine,
rheophyte, perennial, aquatic ecotype, grows well in
Aquarium, frequently flowering and fruiting, rapid
germination of seeds and no observable dormancy period.
These differences in traits are statistically significant at a p
value of 0.05 (95% confidence interval). This study is
morphological obser
Cryptocoryne spiralis is of great difficulty, caused by large
variability in leaf and flower morphology. There is
evidence in the literature on Cryptocoryne spiralis species
that the extant description of the species is an
amalgamation of two (or even more) different ecotypes,
which is strengthened by reports of Allopolyploidy, and
varying number of Chromosomes as reported by different
cytologists, a rare phenomenon in the family Araceae.
After extensive study of this species in its natural habitats
of western India and cultivation, based on ecotypes, we
propose to bifurcate this Species into two, Plaudis and
Aquatica ecotypes based on observed significant
differences in characteristics. Plaudis, Ephemeral,
lacustrine and wetland ecotype which cannot thrive in
Aquarium, does not grow well in any artificial conditions,
has spurt growth pattern in torrential Konkan rain and
becomes dormant in hot summers. Aquatica is riverine,
rheophyte, perennial, aquatic ecotype, grows well in
Aquarium, frequently flowering and fruiting, rapid
germination of seeds and no observable dormancy period.
These differences in traits are statistically significant at a p
value of 0.05 (95% confidence interval). This study is
morphological obser