Anubias sp. “Congensis”

Taxonomically, Anubias plants are a little bit of a mess, with many cultivars having been given species names at one point or another. It is fully unclear as to what species this is; sold in the aquarium trade as Anubias congensis, a species name that doesn’t exist. Many others suggest this is Anubias afzelii var. congensis or Anubias afzelii “Congensis”, even Anubias barteri var. congensis,  while author Christel Kasselmann assigns it as a synonym or cultivar of Anubias heterophylla. Regardless of what you call it, this variety of Anubias is most noteworthy, in my opinion, for its finely veined lance-shaped leaves, almost feather-like in appearance.

As with all in the genus, they are low light, easy-care, and can be grown both above and below the water (although generally thought of as aquarium plants). Don’t bury the rhizomes…they simply will attach to rocks and driftwood. Congensis seems to be able to grow larger and taller than many other Anubias, with sizes ranging from 6 inches all the way to 16 inches by some sources.

Additionally, Anubias, on the whole, are plants that are found in marginal areas…growing both emersed and submersed. As such, you can grow them above and below the waterline, ideal for aquariums, paludariums, and maybe even adventurous vivarium applications!