Eriocaulon sp. "Feather Duster"

About this plant

Eriocaulon sp. "Feather Duster" is an unusual grass-like Eriocaulon of unresolved species identity and unknown exact origin. Aquasabi suspects an origin on the Indian subcontinent. It resembles Eriocaulon sp. "Japan Needle Leaf" but has a much finer overall texture. The flexible leaves are only about 1 mm wide and are arranged spirally along the rhizome rather than in two distinct rows. Individual leaves can exceed 30 cm in length. The rhizome branches repeatedly, gradually producing dense clumps made up of numerous individual shoots and creating the characteristic feather-duster appearance. When grown in shallow water, the plant may produce comparatively large globular flower heads containing numerous small grey-white flowers above the surface while the foliage remains submerged. Unlike Japan Needle Leaf, Feather Duster does not form adhesive roots on rocks or wood and should therefore be planted in substrate rather than used as an epiphyte. Aquarium culture is considered moderately demanding but relatively forgiving for an Eriocaulon. Medium to strong light is suitable, and nutrient-rich substrate is not essential because the plant can obtain macro- and micronutrients efficiently from the water column. Supplemental CO2 strongly promotes growth but is not absolutely required. Mature specimens can be propagated very effectively by dividing the clump and separating individual shoots.