A member of the Ceratophyllaceae family, Genus, Ceratophyllum demersum. Hornwort is a non-vascular plant possessing an elongated horn-like flat plant body, forming little rosettes.

The plant is capable of making and storing its own food, a very uncommon trait among land plants, more common to algae.

The plant also has no roots so it floats on water surfaces, making it a submerged aquatic plant.

Found in tropical and subtropical climates, in moist environments, the plant anchors itself with rhizoids, small root like projections.

The leaves are bright green, are coarse and appear to have teeth, or forked whorls.

The stems is long, 8-12" in length, and usually anchor themselves in the sediment at the bottom of your pond.

In bright light the plant will get bushier and can turn red.

In breeding fish, the plant offers a hiding place for the fry.

A creeping perennial in the tropics and warm temperate climates, the plant feels rough to the touch.

One of the primary benefits of this plant is its oxygenating capabilities and requires an alkaline or neutral pH.

It will grow in shade, and provides shelter for aquatic invertebrates.

The plant is considered a very important part of an ecosystem, warning of pollution, stabilizing the soil, and help in recycling nutrients, offering beauty and adding to nature's wonders for all of us.