Anubias Nana

Basic Information

Common Name: Anubias Nana

Scientific Name: Anubias barteri var. nana

Native Habitat: West Africa

History / Discovery / Cultivator

Anubias barteri var. nana, commonly known as Anubias Nana, is a popular and widely cultivated aquatic plant appreciated for its hardiness and aesthetic appeal in aquariums. Anubias belongs to the Araceae family, which encompasses a diverse range of flowering plants. The species Anubias barteri is named after Charles Barter, a 19th-century plant collector who explored West Africa. The ‘nana’ variety, meaning ‘small’ or ‘dwarf’ in Latin, was specifically selected and propagated for its compact size, making it ideal for smaller aquariums.

The precise origin of the “nana” cultivar is not thoroughly documented in publicly accessible historical records. However, its introduction and subsequent popularity within the aquarium hobby can be attributed to horticulturalists and aquatic plant nurseries that recognized its desirable characteristics. Its compact size, slow growth rate, and ability to thrive under a range of aquarium conditions contributed to its widespread adoption. It is believed that the ‘nana’ variety was likely discovered as a natural variation or mutation of Anubias barteri within its native West African habitat, and then subsequently propagated through vegetative means to maintain its distinct characteristics.

Anubias species are indigenous to tropical regions of West and Central Africa, primarily found in shaded, flowing streams and rivers. They often grow attached to rocks, wood, or other submerged surfaces, exhibiting an epiphytic growth habit. This adaptation allows them to access nutrients from the water column and avoid being uprooted by strong currents. The plants are well-adapted to low-light conditions, making them suitable for aquariums with moderate to low light levels.

The popularity of Anubias Nana extends beyond its ease of care. Its versatility allows it to be used in various aquascaping styles, from creating naturalistic riverbed scenes to adding texture and depth to planted tanks. The plant’s ability to tolerate a wide range of water parameters and its resistance to being consumed by herbivorous fish further contribute to its appeal. The slow growth rate minimizes the need for frequent trimming, making it a low-maintenance option for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

The continuing appreciation of Anubias Nana in the aquarium hobby is a testament to its adaptability, resilience, and aesthetic qualities. Its unobtrusive yet elegant presence enhances the visual appeal of aquariums, providing a natural and calming ambiance. This plant is a staple in countless aquariums across the globe, and its enduring popularity is expected to persist for years to come. In recent years, several variegated and other unique cultivars of Anubias Nana have emerged, further increasing its appeal to plant collectors and aquascapers alike.

Plant Care Summary

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

Anubias Nana possesses several adaptations that contribute to its survival in its native environment and its suitability for aquarium life. Its thick, leathery leaves are resistant to damage from fish and help to conserve water in fluctuating water conditions. The plant’s epiphytic growth habit allows it to attach to rocks and wood, avoiding being uprooted by strong currents. Its tolerance of low light levels enables it to thrive in shaded environments, and its slow growth rate minimizes its nutrient requirements. These adaptations make Anubias Nana a resilient and adaptable plant that can thrive in a variety of aquarium conditions.

Propagation Methods

Anubias Nana is typically propagated through vegetative methods, primarily by rhizome division. The rhizome, a horizontal stem from which the leaves and roots emerge, can be carefully cut into sections, ensuring that each section has at least a few leaves and roots. These sections can then be attached to rocks or wood using thread or glue until they establish themselves. Another method is through the separation of side shoots or adventitious plantlets that sometimes develop along the rhizome. These plantlets can be carefully removed and attached to a new surface to grow independently. Propagation through seeds is possible but less common and more challenging.

Toxicology

Anubias Nana contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are common in plants of the Araceae family. These crystals can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat if ingested. The sap can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. In pets, such as cats and dogs, ingestion of Anubias Nana can cause similar symptoms, including excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, and vomiting. The severity of the reaction is typically mild to moderate, and symptoms usually subside within a few hours. It is advisable to keep Anubias Nana out of reach of small children and pets, or to wear gloves when handling the plant to minimize the risk of skin irritation. Consult a veterinarian if a pet ingests a significant amount of the plant.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Snails
• Algae-eating snails consuming leaves

Diseases:

• Rhizome rot (due to poor water quality or damage)

Other:

• Algae growth on leaves (due to excessive light or nutrient imbalances)
• Slow growth (normal, but can be exacerbated by poor conditions)
• Yellowing leaves (due to nutrient deficiencies, often potassium)

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

While the standard Anubias Nana is not considered rare due to its widespread availability, specific cultivars with unique variegation patterns or unusual leaf shapes can be more difficult to find. These rarer varieties often command higher prices in the aquarium plant market. Factors like slow propagation rate and difficulty in maintaining stable variegation contribute to their scarcity.

Value:

The value of Anubias Nana specimens is primarily determined by their size, health, and aesthetic appeal. Larger, more mature plants with well-developed root systems and numerous leaves tend to be more valuable. In addition, the presence and stability of variegation can significantly increase the price of certain cultivars. Current trends in aquascaping and the demand for specific plant types can also influence the market value. Specimens from reputable sources or with a known history of stable growth and coloration are generally more desirable and command higher prices.