South America is the native habitat of this rosette-forming plant, which grows to a height of 10-15 cm and a width of 15-20 cm. It is distinguished by its light green leaves, which provide a nice contrast to the deeper green of other aquarium plants. It looks beautiful in groups and will spread along the substrate if conditions allow. It is susceptible to chlorosis if micronutrients are lacking.

There is some terminological confusion surrounding this plant, sometimes sold under the name Echinodorus bolivianus var. magdalenensis or Echinodorus 'Quadricostatus'.