Cabomba furcata

Cabomba furcata is a species of aquatic plant in the water shield family known by the common names red cabomba and forked fanwort. It is native to Central and South America and as far north as Cuba and the tip of Florida. It reaches a maximum height between 30 and 80 centimetres (12 and 31 in) and is up to 8 centimetres (3.1 in) wide. It bears purple flowers.

Cabomba furcata
Flowers
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Order: Nymphaeales
Family: Cabombaceae
Genus: Cabomba
Species:
C. furcata
Binomial name
Cabomba furcata
Synonyms[1]
  • Nectris furcata (Schult. & Schult.f.) Leandro ex Steud.
  • Cabomba piauhiensis Gardner
  • Cabomba pubescens Ule
  • Cabomba warmingii Casp.

This is used as an aquarium plant. Carbon dioxide addition is usually necessary, mostly because this plant requires high light and regular fertilization for optimal growth.[2]

C. furcata has been reported as an invasive species in Kerala, India.[3] Its active stem propagation prevents light from penetrating the surface of water. It suffocates the water bodies, economically and ecologically hindering the growth of native aquatic plants and freshwater fish. Red cabomba requires huge quantity of oxygen, resulting in decline of biodiversity and water quality.[4]

References
  1. "Cabomba furcata Schult. & Schult.f." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  2. "Cabomba Furcata". Plant Finder. Aquatic Plant Central. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
  3. "Kerala's 'pink phenomenon' can choke water bodies and drains, warn scientists". www.downtoearth.org.in. Retrieved 2021-01-26.
  4. "Invasive plants". Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  • Ørgaard, M. (1991). The genus Cabomba (Cabombaceae) - a taxonomic study. Nordic Journal of Botany 11: 179-203
  • Wiersema, J. H. (1989). A new species of Cabomba (Cabombaceae) from tropical America. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 76:1167–1168.
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