• Scientific name: Hemianthus micranthemoides
• Synonym: Micranthemum nuttalli; M. micranthemoid
• Common name: Pearlweed
• Family: Scrophulariaceae
• Group: Aquarium plants
• Max height: 30 cm (sometimes higher)
• Distribution: Central America; Cuba, Southeast United States
• Habitat: Swamps, gravelly or muddy soils on riverbanks
• Substrate: Fine-grained substrate
• Placement in aquarium: Middleground
• Planting density: Best planted in small groups.
• Lighting needs: Bright to very bright
• Temperature: 20-28°C
• pH: 6-7
• Hardness: 3-6 NK°

Description: A light-requiring, but undemanding, recommendable, gracile plant for the aquarium foreground. The shoots of Hemianthus micranthemoides will grow equally well in soft and very hard water. Acid to neutral water is essential for good growth, because with alkaline pH-values, a thin layer of lime will form easily on the leaf surfaces, to which the plants will react with reduced growth. A fine-grained substrate is recommended for the planting of the delicate shoots. The composition of the substrate is of only limited relevance; even shoots that have been placed onto the water surface will continue to grow well, and will rapidly develop a dense plant cushion. Propagation is through lateral shoots. During trimming, the shoots can be easily cut with scissors to form a terraced arrangement. It is also suited for planting in the foreground in paludariums and flowers will form under conditions of good light and warmth.