Cryptocoryne crispatula Engler var. crispatula

Cryptocoryne crispatula var. crispatula has many different forms. Taxonomic delimitation to other var.'s is greatly achieved by the structure and color of the limb of the spathe.The leaves of this var are rather stiff (as in var. sinensis), and will stand upright when grown emersed. The leaves of (cultivated) specimen can be very tiny when flowering, due to seasonal influences, after flowering they will grow much longer.

^{Click on the picture to get the full image (ca 50 k)}

Plants from the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary (Thailand) show all variations in C. crispatula var. crispatula. photo Jacobsen	A plant collected by Schulze, showing strong undulated leaves. photo Schulze	At higher latitudes cultivated specimen, say 50 degrees North, often flower in spring. During the winter, plants develop very narrow leaves. photo Jacobsen	The limb showing the line-like markings. photo Jacobsen
The limb may be recurved, showing some resemblance to C. albida. photo Jacobsen	This C. crispatula var. crispatula has rather broad leaves and a more or less tailed limb of the spathe. photo Jacobsen	Very narrow leaves, even monsoon leaves (chives-type) may occur in C. crispatula var. crispatula. photo Jacobsen	Another narrow leaved form. Be aware that after flowering the plant can develop much bigger leaves. photo Jacobsen
A smooth green leaved C. crispatula var. crispatula with denticulate leaves. photo Bastmeijer	Detail of the leave showing the denticulations. photo Bastmeijer	The same plant with a extreme short limb of the spathe. photo Bastmeijer	The kettle (same plant) with a not very prominent constriction of the inner wall. Note the alveoli opposite the male flowers. photo Bastmeijer
Kettle of C. crispatula var. crispatula. At least the upper part of the kettle is deep purple. The alveoli are hard to see. photo Jacobsen	Opened fruit of C. crispatula var. crispatula. Seeds will germinate immediately. photo Jacobsen	Herbarium sheet of C. crispatula var. crispatula herbarium Leiden	Drawing of C. crispatula var. crispatula in de Wit (1993) drawing Juliet Williamson

For reference to the other plants and the literature see the page on the crispatula group.

Jan D. Bastmeijer. June 2000