Lilaeopsis Novae-Zelandiae (Zelandia Chain Sword)

Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae (New Zealand micro sword or chain sword) is a grass-like wetland and carpeting plant from the parsley family (Apiaceae), popular as a foreground lawn in aquascapes and coldwater ponds.

Natural Habitat and Characteristics

• Origin: Native and endemic to New Zealand and parts of Tasmania.
• Habit: Obligate wetland perennial with creeping rhizomes and thin, spear-shaped green leaves (phyllodes) growing 2 to 10 cm tall.
• Ecology: Found in coastal and brackish margins, river estuaries, and damp boggy ground.
• Conservation Status: Assessed as Not Threatened under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.

Aquarium and Pond Care

• Placement: Ideal for use as a foreground or low mid-ground carpet in aquascapes.
• Lighting: Requires moderate to high intensity lighting to maintain short, dense, and vibrant growth.
• Substrate: Needs a nutrient-rich base or root tabs, as it feeds heavily through its root system.
• Water Parameters: Thrives in cooler temperatures (18–26°C), with a pH of 6.0–7.5, and soft to moderately hard water.
• Growth & CO₂: Spreads slowly via runners. The addition of CO₂ injection can accelerate turf knitting, though it can still grow effectively without CO₂ in fertile setups.