also know as Amazon Swords or just swords for short, it's native range stretches from central United States all the way south into Argentina. In their natural range they grow in streams, rivers and flood plains where seasonal flooding is common. They grow very well in both emersed and submerged setups. 

 

Broad flowing leaves make swords a beautiful center piece to any tank. They can grow well without co2 and can tolerate slow to high flow but will be happiest in a slow to medium flow. Swords are deep rooters so a substrate layer of 3+ inches is needed.