• Scientific name: Hygrophila difformis
• Synonym: Synnema triflorum
• Common name: Water wisteria
• Family: Achantaceae
• Group: Aquarium plants
• Max height: 60 cm
• Distribution: Asia; India, Thailand, Malaysia
• Habitat: Grows in marshy habitats.
• Substrate: Unwashed or loam-containing coarse sand
• Placement in aquarium: Background
• Planting density: 1 plant for 20 cm²
• Lighting needs: Bright to strong
• Temperature: 20-28°C
• pH: 6,5-7,5
• Hardness: 3-16 NK°

Description: Hygrophila difformis is undoubtedly on of the most beautiful and recommendable aquarium plants, and is part of a regularly commercially available plant product range. The plants are undemanding and will prosper well in both very sodt and hard water (above 30 °dGH) While a medium-strength lighting is adequate for optimum growth, stronger specimens will develop under intense light. Often lateral shoots will develop close above the substrate which will initially display entire leaves and creeping growth, but which will later develop the typical pinnatisected leaf blades. To achieve quick reproduction, it is best to sever and replant lateral shoots, with shoot cuttings being aqually suitable. Adventitious plants will also form on floating leaves. Flower formation can be expected only in strong emersed specimens and with a lot of light available.

The leaf shape is dictated by aquarium temperature; at lower temperatures the leaves are thicker and smaller, at higher temperatures they are larger and more divided. The leaves are large - up to 10 cm long - so adequate space is a must. If the plants receive too little light, the lower leaves may drop off and the spacing between the leaves increases.