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Pacific mosquitofern
Scientific Name: Azolla filiculoides
Family: Azollaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Pacific Mosquitofern (Azolla filiculoides)
The Pacific Mosquitofern, scientifically known as Azolla filiculoides, is a fascinating aquatic fern with a variety of common names.
Common Names:
- Pacific Mosquitofern
- Mosquito Fern
- Duckweed Fern
- Fairy Moss
- Water Fern
- Large Mosquitofern
- American Waterfern
- Red Azolla
- Fairy Fern
Taxonomy and Nomenclature:
- Scientific Name: Azolla filiculoides Lam.
- Family: Azollaceae (also sometimes classified under Salviniaceae)
- Genus: Azolla
- Species: filiculoides
- Synonyms: The text implies that Azolla rubra is sometimes used synonymously, although this may reflect misidentification.
Considerations for Pets:
- This plant is often found in ponds and slow-moving waterways.
Considerations for Children:
- This plant is often found in ponds and slow-moving waterways.
- Pacific Mosquitofern is also known as fairy fern and fairy moss.
Distribution and Habitat:
- Native to California.
- Native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the Americas.
- Found in stagnant and slow-moving waters.
- Observed in locations such as Santa Cruz County, Arizona, and Malibu Creek.
Ecological Role:
- Considered a desirable component of natural habitats.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits:
- Perennial plant growing to approximately 0.1 meters (4 inches).
- Small, free-floating aquatic fern.
- Often occurs in colonies.
- Leaves overlap, giving a quilted look to the surface.
- Grows rapidly.
Additional Information:
- Hardy to zone (UK) 7 and is not frost tender.
- The flowers are hermaphrodite.
Further Information:
- Dave's Garden
- Montana Field Guide
- CalPhotos
- TERMIUM (Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank)
- UCSC Natural Reserves