Something out of Driftwood?

2265 Views 16 Replies 7 Participants Last post by davemonkey, Feb 3, 2009

DonaldmBoyer

Discussion Starter · Jan 16, 2009

2

I apologize for the "repeat" as I just added this to my 200 Square Tank thread in the Aquascaping forum, but I have no idea what this is:

This little guy sprouted a few months ago, shortly after I set it up my tank. It is growing out of my Malasyian driftwood. I thought it was some sort of grass when it first started growing as I had washed the driftwood outside with a hose, and left it out overnight outside to dry. If it is "terristrial" then I don't really expect too many answers. If anyone has an idea, let me know please!

Thank you all!
Don

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Cavan Allen

· #2 · Jan 16, 2009

I think you answered your question already. It does appear to be a terrestrial grass. Pretty cool though.

csaxe21

· #3 · Jan 16, 2009

I honestly have no idea what it is. Does look like a grass. But, it's sweet!

DonaldmBoyer

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jan 16, 2009

Hmm! Probably a crab-grass variety. Well, I'll let it grow and see what happens! It isn't doing any harm; just a bit quirky.

Cool! Thanks guys!

Zapins

· #5 · Jan 16, 2009

Yeah that is pretty cool!

davemonkey

· #6 · Jan 18, 2009

Since it sprouted from the driftwood, it could be a marsh-type grass. You probably won't have any trouble keeping it happy right where it is. It may even produce an inflorescence for you after it matures.

Please keep us updated!

-Dave

DonaldmBoyer

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jan 18, 2009

I'll see what happens.....like I said, it isn't hurting anything so he'll stay! Kind of an extra bonus for buying the driftwood. I will keep posting pics of it, and if it throws a bloom, you'll see it!

pepperonihead

· #8 · Jan 25, 2009

Wow, I really like that! It looks like some of the roots are reaching down into the water. It is very cool and just adds to the beauty of your tank!

DonaldmBoyer

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 30, 2009

Thanks Pepperoni! You should really like the next set of pictures coming this weekend then. This goofy thing just has taken off and has basically doubled in size since the last picture. Tons of roots forming and beginning to drape into the water.

I still think it is a simple crab-grass, but if it gets much bigger, I am going to start to doubt that.

pepperonihead

· #10 · Feb 1, 2009

Oh my God! It's taking over! "The plant that ate Donald and his tank!"

DonaldmBoyer

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 2, 2009

3

Updated pics of this goofy thing; taken today (2-1-09); notice the ton of "rootage" happening!:

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Tex Gal

· #12 · Feb 2, 2009

You're gonna have to mow that thing!

DonaldmBoyer

Discussion Starter · #13 · Feb 2, 2009

HA! I know! I wish the darn thing would spread instead of becoming super-gimongous!

Well, at least it is relatively nice looking, and matches the Yatabeanus behind it.

pepperonihead

· #14 · Feb 3, 2009

It's very cool! I want it!

davemonkey

· #15 · Feb 3, 2009

Whatever it is, it's a very nice looking plant that compliments your tank well. Keep it growing!

DonaldmBoyer

Discussion Starter · #16 · Feb 3, 2009

Pepperoni-I'd be happy to send some to you....if I really knew what it was. The root structure underwater is just very strange: deep white tap roots, and not a ton of branching. Muh.

Dave-I will keep it going!! Not much choice as this seems to be an "all or nothing" type of situation. I have no idea how to propogate the thing, and I don't want to get rid of it....so, I'm stuck.

davemonkey

· #17 · Feb 3, 2009

DonaldmBoyer said:
I have no idea how to propogate the thing, and I don't want to get rid of it....so, I'm stuck.

Awesome. Just FYI, if you want to propagate it and stick some in the other driftwood cracks, you can split the crown (it looks to me like this type of grass would be a great candidate for splitting) . Let it get some more growth , then gently pull or carefully cut the crown into a couple or more plants (each with roots and shoots) . Just looking at your pics, I see 4 viable plants there.

-Dave

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