Bucephalandra sp. (TQ-01048)

Plant Name: Bucephalandra sp. (TQ-01048)

Tankquility Catalogue #: TQ-01048

Synonyms/Trade Names:

Original Plant Sourced as: Aridarum “narrow-leaf”

Plant Family: Araceae

Plant Native to¹: Borneo

Plant Type: Semiaquatic (rheophyte)

Image Details²:

Image 1: Emerse Bucephalandra sp. (TQ-01048). One plant has an immature inflorescence.

Image 2: The same inflorescence of Bucephalandra sp. (TQ-01048) six days later at onset of staminate anthesis. The spathe has opened, revealing the appendix and staminate zone of the spadix.

Image 3: Detailed view of the inflorescence shown in Image 2.

Image 4: Same inflorescence as above with spathe artificially removed to reveal the entire spadix. Visible (from top to bottom) are appendix, staminate (male) flower zone showing thecae, the shield-shaped interstice staminodes, and the pistillate (female) flower zone.

General Information and Cultivation³: A slow growing creeping buce, relatively easy to cultivate in terrarium conditions if its requirements are met. A moderate amount of ventilation is necessary, and daily misting beneficial. As for all plants in the genus, emerse Bucephalandra sp. (TQ-01048) prefer low-light levels, otherwise bleaching of the leaves may occur. Attach to wood and rocks, or plant directly into the substrate. Do not bury the rhizome or it may rot. In terrarium culture, leaf blades grow to about 110mm×17mm, and plants can reach 90mm in height. Submerse plants are likely to produce leaves that are smaller.

Though Tankquility hasn’t grown this clone aquatically, the vast majority of Bucephalandra transition readily to aquarium conditions. Bucephalandra sp. (TQ-01048) has quite coriaceous leaves compared to most buce, so transition is expected to be slow.

Identification Notes: Examination of the inflorescence and other features of the plant has revealed clone (TQ-01048) to be a new undescribed species.

Ease of Care: Easy

Plant Size/Portion Size:

Emerse grown plant: 4 to 5-leaf tip cutting with/without root development.

Further Reading:

¹ Distribution is taken from Plants of the World Online (https://powo.science.kew.org/) unless stated otherwise.

² All images used on the Tankquility website have been taken of plants growing in our nursery.

³ The general and cultural information provided is based on our own experience and observation. If we supply information from others, we have acknowledged the source.