Cryptocoryne spiralis


Cryptocoryne spiralis is a plant species belonging to the Araceae genus Cryptocoryne.

Distribution

Endemic to India.

Leaf morphology

Leaves are lanceolate and extremely variable, some variations are red stems, furrows in leaf margins, pure green forms.

Inflorescence

The flower of C. spiralis is within a spathe which is curled clockwise, a distinctive feature of this species.

Rhizome

Cryotocorne sprialis stores nutrients in underground rhizome, during the dry season when the marshes dry out, plant survives by losing all its leaves and becoming dormant. Next season when the rains come the rhizome sprouts new leaves.