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mosquitofern
Scientific Name: Azolla
Family: Azollaceae
Category: Fern
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Mosquito Fern (Azolla spp.)
The Mosquito Fern, belonging to the genus Azolla, is a small, free-floating aquatic fern known by several common names. Its rapid growth and potential to form dense mats make it a fascinating yet sometimes problematic plant.
Considerations for Pets
- Mosquito ferns are sometimes used as aquarium or pond ornamentals, meaning pets with access to these water features may encounter the plant.
Considerations for Children
- The small size (1 to 2 cm in diameter for some species) of the mosquito fern may present a choking hazard for young children if ingested.
Common Names
- Mosquito Fern
- Duckweed Fern
- Fairy Moss
- Water Fern
- Ferny Azolla
- Pinnate Mosquito Fern
- Large Mosquito Fern
- Red Water Fern
- Water Velvet
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Azolla
- Family: Salviniaceae (also Azollaceae)
- Division: Pteridophyta (lower vascular plants)
- Order: Salviniales
- Synonyms:
- Azolla caroliniana Willd.
- Azolla rubra R.Br.
- Azolla japonica
- Feathered mosquitofern (also used as a common name)
- Subordinate Taxa (of Azolla pinnata):
- A. pinnata africana (found in Africa)
- A. pinnata asiatica
Distribution and Habitat
Mosquito ferns are found in warm temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Specific regions mentioned include:
- The Americas (North, Central, and South)
- Eastern North America (from southern Canada)
- California (native for Azolla filiculoides)
- Eastern United States
- Western and Southern Europe (naturalized)
- New Orleans
- British Columbia (Azolla mexicana)
Ecological Role
- Mosquito ferns can be both beneficial and problematic. They are sometimes considered desirable components of natural habitats.
- However, some species, like Azolla pinnata, are considered invasive in certain regions, such as Doñana National Park in Spain.
- Thick mats of floating plants have a reputation for preventing mosquitoes from laying eggs.
Morphological Characteristics
- Small, free-floating aquatic ferns, typically 1 to 3/8 inches wide (some species 1 to 2 cm in diameter).
- Leaves overlap, giving a quilted appearance.
- Azolla pinnata has a triangular frond up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length.
- May resemble moss more than a typical fern.
- Can be dark green, dark red, or dark green with red margins depending on the species and environmental conditions. Some species form red anthocyanin pigments when under stress.
- Grows rapidly and can form dense mats on the water surface.
- Azolla pinnata has a Christmas tree shape.
Other Interactions
- Duckweed is sometimes found growing alongside Azolla mexicana.
Other Uses
- In East Asia, mosquito fern is used as livestock feed and as a nitrogen source in rice fields.
- It has also been investigated as a potential biological filter for removing cadmium from wastewater.
Resources
- USDA PLANTS Database
- British Columbia Recovery Strategy Series