SUBMISSION FORM

PURPOSE

  • To encourage members of MCAS to grow, propagate, and share aquatic plant species
  • To share information and techniques on growing and propagating different species
  • To encourage and promote MCAS member participation
  • To share plant species via the club auction

WHAT IS NEEDED TO SUBMIT PLANTS?

  • Be a MCAS member in good standing.
  • Submit a HAP form and your aquatic plants at the MCAS monthly meeting. The plant must be bagged and labeled with the scientific name and “HAP”.
  • Points are awarded only once for each species submitted by a member.
  • Floating plants: A doubling of the original amount of plant material. At minimum a loose “handful” for larger species such as frogbit. Half of a loose “handful” for smaller plants such as duckweed is the minimum amount required.
  • Bunch plants: Rootless cuttings (stems) must be a minimum of 6 inches long. If stems with roots are submitted, the non-rooted portion must be at least 5 inches from the base to the tip of the stem. A minimum of 5 stems are required for points.
  • By Runner or Division: At least 3 individual plants, with at least 4 leaves a piece. Each plant must be capable of living independently of the parent plant. In the case of genera that typically have fewer than 4 leaves per plant, 15 individual plants must be submitted to obtain credit. Of these, at least 5 must be connected on the same runner and all must have viable roots at each node/plant. For genera such as Cryptocoryne that spread by both stolon and rhizome, a plug with at least 3 individual plantlets, each with an independent root system may be submitted for points. Credit will be given once per species for asexual reproduction regardless of method.
  • Rhizome division: Ferns such as Java fern and Bolbitis must be free of the parent plant, at minimum 3 inches long, and have roots or rhizoids at least ½ inch long on the cutting.
  • Points will be given separately for propagation by seed or for flowering.
  • Points for flowering of plants may be awarded for either submergent or emergent specimens. Verification via photograph must be done when the plant is in full bloom and the flower is attached to the member’s own plant in their aquarium or pond. Submitting a physical specimen at the MCAS monthly meeting is encouraged. Points equal to the successful vegetative propagation of the species will be awarded for flowering a plant in addition to credit for successfully propagating the plant (sexually or asexually). For example, successfully flowering Hygrophila difformis will award 5 points (Class A plant) in addition to a potential 5 points for asexual propagation of the species.
  • Regrowth of a seasonal plant does not count as propagation.
  • Additional points may be earned via the following:
    • A written article on the propagation of the species, submitted for publication on the club website or newsletter. Articles must be approximately 250-400 words. Articles should describe plant maintenance, propagation, and general care. Articles must be readable, informable, and publishable. Photograph submissions with the article are encouraged.
    • A 10-15 minute oral presentation on the propagation of the species. Oral presentations can be given at the MCAS monthly meeting.

HAP PROGRAM GUIDELINES

  1. Points are awarded only once for any species per member.
  2. Any plant not included in the HAP Point List will be assigned points by the HAP committee or Board.
  3. Following a submission, it is the members own responsibility to ensure that his points have been recorded.
  4. In the event that any confusion in the identification of a plant, reference to a published photograph must be made to get credit for that species. In the event no published photograph exists, a color photograph shall be taken and filed with the HAP submission sheet.

ACHIEVEMENT LEVELS

  • Novice- 50 points
  • Intermediate- 100 points
  • Advanced- 300 points
  • Senior- 500 points
  • Master- 1,000 points
  • Grand Master- 1,500 points

CLASSIFICATIONS
The classifications listed below are not comprehensive. The classifications shall serve as guidance regarding species and the respective points. The HAP Coordinator and or Board shall make final determinations of classifications and points.

Classification List

  • Class A (5 points)
  • Class B (10 points)
  • Class C (15 points)
  • Class D (20 points)
  • Class E - Flowering (3 Photos must be submitted; Full tank, plant, flower). The points will be the same as the points for that species propagation.
  • Class F - Reproduction from seed or spores. The points will be the same as the points for that species propagation.
  • Class W - Article (15 points)
  • Class P - Presentation (30 points)