Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Meta' - Meta Ludwigia

"Meta" is a still new, splendidly red coloured form of Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata with only moderate requirements. It was brought from the Departamento del Meta in central Colombia a few years ago. In the moment it is still a rarity. In the submerged form, the plant develops narrow, about 5 cm long and 2 mm wide leaves in whorls, usually 11 per whorl. The shoots grow to at least 30 cm high and 8 cm wide and branch little. The stem grows to about 4 mm wide. The leaves develop strong red to orange tones in plenty of light.

The plant is very similar to Ludwigia verticillata var. verticillata "Pantanal", which has more pinkish red tones and is more difficult to cultivate. "Meta", on the other hand, has similar requirements to the lighter-coloured, somewhat broader-leaved L. inclinata var. verticillata "Cuba".

In the emersed form, "Meta" forms alternate, elliptical, green leaves and quite large, yellow flowers on a reddish-brown stem, as is generally typical for Ludwigia inclinata.

This rare Ludwigia from Colombia attracts attention as a bush in the middle to background of aquariums and contrasts especially with light green plants. Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata "Meta" will certainly find widespread use as an aquarium plant, as it combines the bright red tones of the Pantanal Ludwigia with lower cultivation requirements.