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Jasarum steyermarkii G.S.Bunting

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Jasarum steyermarkii G.S.Bunting
  • Common Name: No widely used common names

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Acidic blackwater river systems in Venezuela and Guyana
  • Features: Distinctive for its ribbon‑like submerged leaves and emergent inflorescence

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Jasarum
  • Botanical Background: Described by American botanist George S. Bunting (G.S.Bunting) in Acta Bot. Venez. (1977).

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Endemic to two river basins in SE Venezuela and southern Guyana.
  • Environment: Lives submerged in acidic (pH 4–6), nutrient‑poor blackwater under warm (24–28 °C), high‑humidity tropical conditions.

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Linear, membranous, dark green
  • Up to 30 cm long
  • Clear midrib with perpendicular lateral veins

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Solitary emergent spathe (~15 cm), bronze‑green outside and cream inside
  • Spadix shorter, unisexual flowers
  • Likely insect‑pollinated

Growth Habit

  • Perennial aquatic herb with thick rhizome and fibrous roots
  • Leaves fully submerged, inflorescences emergent

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, diffuse underwater light

Watering & Humidity

  • Fully submerged; maintain constant water level and high (>70%) humidity above surface

Soil & Potting Mix

  • Fine aquatic substrate (peat‑sand mix) in aquarium or submerged planter

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • 24–28 °C

  • Monthly dilute aquatic plant fertilizer

Propagation Methods

Division

  • Rhizome division is most reliable


Seeds

  • Rarely used
  • Require warm, acidic water and light for germination

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Susceptible to algae overgrowth, root rot in stagnant water

Treatment Recommendations

  • Regular water changes
  • Organic fungicides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide dip) for root rot.

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Only submerged Araceae species endemic to South America
  • Likely evolved from seasonal-swamp Caladium ancestors
  • Highly prized by specialist aquarium enthusiasts for its rarity and unique form

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Predicted as threatened with low confidence
  • Habitat degradation is a concern

Market Availability

  • Extremely rare
  • Available only through specialized aquatic plant nurseries or private collectors

References & Resources

Further Reading

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