Cyperus alternifolius (18 cm) – Cyperus alternifolius

Carex muskingumensis – Palm-leaf sedge for pond edgeCarex muskingumensis is an ornamental grass for damp locations and the edge of garden ponds, known for its umbrella-like arranged leaves. With a height of 60–80 cm, it brings a calm structure to the shore and shallow water zone. It is suitable for a planting depth of 0 to –15 cm, with the flowering period from June to August (VI–VIII).Flowering period: VI–VIII (June to August)Height: approx. 60–80 cmPlanting depth: 0 to –15 cmPot size: approx. 18 cmPlant specifications: They create a calm, natural structure at the pond edge – ideal as a “frame” for flowering shoreline plants.Thanks to the planting depth 0 to –15 cm, the palm-leaf sedge can be flexibly placed in shoreline and shallow water areas.The 18-cm pot gives the plant a stable start and makes it easier to plant in the desired spot.Technical data:Botanical name: Carex muskingumensisGerman name: Palm-leaf sedgeHeight (cm): 60 / 80 cmPlanting depth: 0 / –15 cmFlowering period: VI–VIIIWinter hardiness zone: Zone 1 / 2Pot size: 18 cmWith Carex muskingumensis (Palm-leaf sedge / Umbrella Flat Sedge) you are choosing a structural grass that looks particularly elegant at the garden pond edge. The leaves are arranged like umbrellas and visually resemble small palm fronds – creating a clear, yet still natural, shape, instantly enhancing pond edges. Especially where there are many soft-growing plants around the pond, this sedge provides a calm counterpoint and brings order to the overall picture.With a height of approx. 60 to 80 cm, Carex muskingumensis is ideal for the middle to background of the shoreline planting. It can visually “frame” pond edges without completely covering the water surface. It is particularly harmonious in small groups or as a recurring element along the bank – this creates a natural rhythm that makes the pond look as if it were all of a piece. The flowering period from June to August (VI–VIII) complements the seasonal cycle; for this plant, however, the attractive leaf structure is usually the main focus.The recommended planting depth of 0 to –15 cm makes the palm-leaf sedge suitable for the shore and shallow water zone. Plant it in moist bank soil or place it in a very shallow water area – depending on how your pond is laid out.The delivery in an 18-cm pot makes planting easier and gives the plant a good root volume for a secure start. If you prefer a tidy, easily controlled pond edge, a planting basket is a practical solution: this keeps the plant stable in the desired place and makes it easy to move if necessary.Thanks to zone 1–2, Carex muskingumensis is suitable for perennial pond installations in many regions and is a low-maintenance choice if you want to combine structure, height and a natural appearance.Note on shipping: We make every effort to ensure that our plants arrive healthy and undamaged. Despite the greatest care, plants may be slightly damaged during postal shipping or other unforeseen events. These include brown leaves as well as bent branches. We accept no liability for this. Do not plant in open waters such as lakes or biotopes. Zoo-Roco tip: Plant the palm-leaf sedge so that from your main viewing axis it “frames the pond” – for example, on the left and right of a seating area view of the water. At a depth of 0 to –15 cm it looks especially natural, and in a planting basket its shape stays neat and can be corrected at any time.

Preslia cervina - English water mint blueEnglish water mint is a decorative pond edge plant that brings colour to the shoreline with its blue/pink flowers from July to September. At 30-40 cm tall, it is ideal for the edge and shallow water zone. It grows reliably at a planting depth of 0 to -15 cm and is hardy in zones 1-2.Area of application: Pond edge / shallow water zoneFlower colour: pink/blueFlowering time: VII-IX (July to September) Height: approx. 30-40 cm Planting depth: 0 to -15 cm Winter hardiness: Zone 1-2 Pot: approx. 9 cm Plant specifications:Ensures a long-lasting flowering effect in the pond edge plantingIdeal as a flat marginal plant for natural transitions at the water's edgeHardy (zone 1-2) and therefore suitable for perennial pond designTechnical dataBotanical name: Preslia cervinaGerman name: English water mintFlowering time: VII-IXWinter hardiness: Zone 1-2Height: 30 / 40 cmPlanting depth: 0 / -15 cmPot: approx. 9 cmWith Preslia cervina, you are choosing a compact, attractive plant for the bank and shallow water zone of your garden pond. Plants that provide structure, soften the transition between water and garden and at the same time have a reliable effect throughout the season are particularly in demand at the edge of the pond. This English water mint fulfils precisely this task: at approx. 30 to 40 cm, it remains pleasantly low and can therefore be integrated into existing pond plantings in a variety of ways.A particular advantage is the flowering period from July to September (VII-IX). During this phase, many pond owners want additional colour accents, as early bloomers are already fading. The pink flowers then add a lively yet harmonious touch to the pond - ideal if you prefer a natural look and don't want the edge to be too restless.Preslia cervina is well suited to group plantings, but also works well on its own as a colourful accent between stones, along a stream or along the edge of a pond. The recommended planting depth of 0 to -15 cm makes the plant suitable for the area directly at the edge or standing slightly in the water. Depending on the pond structure, place Preslia cervina in moist soil or in a stable position in the shallow water zone. The 18 cm pot provides a good volume for this and makes planting easier. If you want to keep the planting particularly tidy or flexibly adjust the position later, a plant basket is recommended - this keeps the plant exactly where it looks best. Thanks to its hardiness zone 1-2, Preslia cervina is suitable for permanent garden ponds and is an easy-care addition for seasonal pond edging.Shipping note: We make every effort to ensure that our plants arrive healthy and undamaged. Despite the greatest care, it can happen that plants are slightly damaged by post or other unforeseen events. This includes brown leaves as well as broken branches. We accept no liability for this. Do not plant in open bodies of water such as lakes or biotopes.Zoo Roco tip: Place Preslia cervina in the best spot where you can see it from your seat: In the shallow water zone down to -15 cm, flowers look particularly attractive because they are reflected in the water. A planting basket is ideal for a clean pond edge - this keeps the plant under control and makes it easy to move if necessary.

Nymphaea 'Aurora' - Copper-colored water lily in a 3-litre basket (18 cm)Color-changing blooms for large garden ponds.Nymphaea 'Aurora' is an impressive variety for garden ponds that creates fascinating color accents on the surface of the water with its changeable flowers in delicate shades of yellow, orange and copper. Its colorful effect is particularly effective in large ponds.Flower color: Copper-colored with natural color gradientPlanting depth: -30 to -60 cmFlowering time: June to September (VI-IX)Hardiness zone: Zone 4 - absolutely hardyLarge 3-liter basket (18 cm diameter) - for vigorous growth & secure hold in deep waterThis water lily is ideal for ponds and natural ponds, where it not only has a decorative effect with its lush leaves, but also reduces algae growth and supports the pond climate.Robust, hardy variety with exceptional flower color - perfect for large water landscapes.We make every effort to ensure that our plants arrive at your doorstep healthy and undamaged. Despite the utmost care, it is possible that plants may be slightly damaged during postal delivery or due to other unforeseen circumstances. This includes brown leaves as well as broken branches. We accept no liability for this. Do not plant in open waters such as lakes or biotopes.

Marginata 8 - Panther tortoises Food plants 3Pakistani tortoisesEuropean pond turtles Contents: 2 EDITORIAL 3 READER LETTERS 5 MAGAZINE 9 DATES 10 PHOTO REPORTAGE Panther tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis (Bell, 1828)) Hans - Dieter Philippen 16 BREEDING IN HUMAN CARE Breeding of the South African panther tortoise (Stigmochelys p. pardalis (Bell, 1828)) at Prague Zoo (Czech Republic) – Initial findings Petr Velensky & Natasha Velenska 21 BREEDING IN HUMAN CARE Biotopes of the panther tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis (Bell, 1828)) as well as information on the care and breeding of the subspecies S. pardalis babcocki (Loveridge, 1935) Bernd Wolff 31 PORTRAIT Three-keeled black-bellied tortoise, (Melanochelys tricarinata) (Blyth, 1856) Hans - Dieter Philippen 36 FIELD RESEARCH Comments on the morphology, biology and distribution of the Baluch tortoise (Agrionemys horsfieldii baluchiorum (Annandale, 1906)) Muhammad Sharif Khan 43 REPORT Albino Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata) Hans - Dieter Philippen 44 REPORT Harriet – at 175 years old, probably the oldest vertebrate on earth Alf Jacob Nilsen 46 REPORT Food plants for tortoises part 3 Susanne Vogel 52 REPORTAGE The last pond turtles in the east of Slovakia? Stanislav Danko 58 BOOK TIP 61 CLASSIFIEDS 62 REGIONAL GUIDE 64 AGATHA MARGINATA

Glyceria maxima ‘Variegata’ – Variegated sweet grass for pond edgesGlyceria maxima ‘Variegata’ is a decorative pond-edge grass with striking, variegated foliage for a crisp, fresh bank appearance. With a height of 60–80 cm, it is ideal for the edge and shallow water zone. The flowering period is from June to August (VI–VIII), and the recommended planting depth is 0 to –15 cm.Area of use: Pond edge / Shore zone / Shallow water zoneFlowering period: VI–VIII (June to August)Height: approx. 60–80 cmPlant basket: approx. 18 cmPlant specifications: With its variegated foliage, it brings lasting structure and brightness to the pond edge – even outside the flowering period.Thanks to a planting depth of 0 to –15 cm, this grass is ideal for shore and shallow water areas.The 18-cm pot ensures a stable start and makes placement in the garden pond easier.Technical specifications:Botanical name: Glyceria maxima ‘Variegata’English name: Variegated sweet grass (also: Variegated water grass)Height (cm): 60 / 80 cmPlanting depth: 0 / –15 cmFlowering period: VI–VIIIWinter hardiness zone: Zone 1 / 2Pot size: 18 cmWith Glyceria maxima ‘Variegata’ you are choosing a pond-edge grass that particularly stands out for its decorative foliage effect. Especially for garden ponds, plants are needed that not only look attractive during short flowering periods, but also provide structure throughout the season. The variegated foliage brings brightness to the shore zone and ensures the pond edge looks well-maintained and clearly structured – ideal as a calm framework for flowering bank plants.With a growth height of approx. 60 to 80 cm , the variegated water grass is suitable for the middle to back row of the pond-edge planting. It visually outlines the shoreline without ‘closing’ the pond completely. It looks especially attractive when planted in small groups or as a recurring element along the edge. This creates a natural rhythm that harmoniously embeds the pond.The flowering period from June to August (VI–VIII) complements the season’s cycle; however, the emphasis is usually on the effect of the structure and foliage. The recommended planting depth of 0 to –15 cm makes Glyceria maxima ‘Variegata’ ideal for the shore and shallow water zone. Plant it in moist edge soil or place it in the very shallow water area – depending on the pond’s layout.Through delivery in an 18-cm pot you get a good root volume, which makes establishment easier and provides more stability. If you want to keep the pond edge especially neat or adjust the position later on, a plant basket is a practical solution: this way, the grass remains where it looks best, and you always have full control over the design.Thanks to zone 1–2, the plant is suitable for perennial pond installations in many regions and is a good choice if you want to combine lasting, calm structure with decorative foliage in your garden pond.Note on shipping: We strive to ensure our plants arrive with you healthy and undamaged. Despite the greatest care, it can happen that plants are slightly damaged by the postal service or other unforeseen events. This includes brown leaves as well as bent twigs. We accept no liability for this. Do not plant in open water such as lakes or biotopes.Zoo-Roco tip: Position the variegated water grass so that it ‘outlines’ the pond edge: plant it slightly offset along the shoreline so a natural but defined structure results. At a depth of 0 to –15 cm it stands firmly – in a plant basket, the edge remains particularly neat and you can easily move the plant as needed.

Carex riparia – Shore sedge for pond edgesCarex riparia is a robust sedge for damp shorelines and the garden pond edge, providing clear structure with its vigorous growth. With a height of 60–80 cm, it is ideal for the middle to background of bank planting. It can be planted at a depth of 0 to –15 cm and flowers from June to July (VI–VII).Area of use: Pond edge / Shore zone / Shallow water zoneFlowering period: VI–VII (June to July)Planting depth: 0 to –15 cm Plant basket: approx. 18 cmPlant specifications: They give the pond edge a stable, natural structure and create a tranquil frame for flowering shore plants.Thanks to a planting depth of 0 to –15 cm, the sedge fits perfectly into shoreline and shallow water zones.The 18-cm pot makes planting easier and ensures a strong start at the location.Technical data:Botanical name: Carex ripariaCommon name: Shore sedge (also: Great pond sedge)Height (cm): 60 / 80 cmPlanting depth: 0 / –15 cmFlowering period: VI–VIIWinter hardiness: Zone 1 / 2Pot size: 18 cmWith Carex riparia (Shore sedge / Great Pond Sedge), you are choosing a robust structural grass that is ideally suited for the shoreline zone of a garden pond. Especially at ponds, it is often important to use plants that not only flower but also provide lasting structure to the edge area and create a calming appearance. Carex riparia provides exactly this tranquil, natural effect: it stands stable, looks neat and fits into both natural pond environments as well as clearly designed shoreline lines.With a height of approx. 60 to 80 cm, the sedge is ideal for the middle to background. It forms a green backdrop in front of which lower border plants and flowering plants stand out particularly well. At the same time, it helps to visually embed technical elements such as liner edges or plant baskets.The flowering period from June to July (VI–VII) complements the season, with sedges usually offering structural impact via leaves and growth form. The recommended planting depth of 0 to –15 cm makes Carex riparia perfect for the edge and shallow water zone. It can be planted directly in damp bank soil or placed in very shallow water – depending on the pond layout and the desired effect.Delivered in a 18-cm pot you receive a well-developed plant with solid root volume, making it easier to establish and offering more stability. If you want to keep the pond edge particularly tidy, a plant basket is a practical option: this keeps the sedge where it works best and can easily be moved if needed.Thanks to zone 1–2, Carex riparia is suitable for perennial pond planting in many regions and is a reliable choice if you want to combine lasting structure and naturalness at your garden pond.Note on shipping: We make every effort to ensure that our plants arrive with you healthy and undamaged. Despite the greatest care, it may occur that plants are slightly damaged during postal delivery or other unforeseen events. This includes brown leaves as well as broken twigs. We accept no liability for this. Do not plant in open waters such as lakes or biotopes.Zoo-Roco tip: Plant Carex riparia at the pond edge as a “green frame”: place 1–3 plants in a staggered arrangement so that the edge looks more natural. At depths of 0 to –15 cm, it stands stable – and in a plant basket, you keep the shoreline particularly easily under control.

Salvinia auriculataSalvinia Auriculata (Brazilian salvinia) is a floating plant native to South America. It grows moderately quickly so that its population can be controlled. Easy to grow. Absorbs nitrogen to combat algae. Propagates by spreading.Difficulty of cultivation: easy to mediumLight requirement: medium to highCO₂ requirement: lowHeight of the adult plant: 0.5 cmGrowth: moderate to fastTemperature: 22 - 24°CPlacement in the aquarium: SurfaceOrigin: South and Central AmericaCup diameter 6 cmSalvinia Auriculata (Brazilian Salvinia) is a floating ornamental plant. It is native to the calm, still waters of South and Central America. It can be found from Paraguay to Cuba. It owes its popularity above all to its original appearance. Its small oval leaves with a diameter of 10 mm cm are arranged opposite each other on an elongated leaf stalk. These leaves are covered with fine hairs that trap air bubbles, allowing them to float. Depending on the light intensity, they are wavy or flat. Salvinia forms a third type of underwater leaves on which the spores are deposited.Like all floating plants, Salvinia is recommended for shady waters . Its great appetite for nitrogen and phosphorus compounds makes this plant a good ally in the fight against algae. Salvinia has low light and nutrient requirements. It grows well in both moderate and strong light. As a floating plant, it does not require a substrate but draws all the necessary nutrients directly from the water. During the vegetation period, it reproduces by spreading, whereby the growth rate is moderate. This makes it easy to control its growth and remove excess plants. It grows to a length of 3-6 cm and likes warm, humid air, so it is advisable to use a glass or cover when growing it.It should be placed in such a way that no condensation falls on the plants. It adapts very quickly to the new parameters. However, it should be borne in mind that it will die if there is too little light. It thrives best in soft to medium-hard water at 22-24°C. The in vitro culture of plants is carried out in tissue culture laboratories. Thanks to the sterile production conditions, the cuttings are free from snails, algae or pathogens.Planting:The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed of the gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself. Place the plant on the surface of the water.