Marsilea hirsuta "Clover Grass"

*See second picture to observe submersed growth form*

This plant is sold as emersed and will convert to its submersed form over time. 

Marsilea hirsuta is a carpet-plant from Australia. A fascinating plant, usually delivered with leaves like a four-leaf clover. After a transitional period it develops different types of leaves, possibly a low form with single leaves like a large Glossostigma, or alternatively develop two, three or four-lobed leaves varying in height (from 2-10 cm), depending on the growth conditions. Whichever form the plant adopts, it forms runners and spreads rapidly round the aquarium. Marsilea  hirsuta is well suited to create a low and dense, green cover in the foreground of the aquarium.

This plant is only a few centimetres tall, it grows slowly and it is easy to keep, also for the beginner since Marsilea hirsuta thrives even at very low light at the cost of faster growth. For the expert, the many green colours and the dense carpet are presenting the tank in a beautiful way adding a sense of depth in the aquarium. Image shows emersed and submersed growth.