Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Ferns & Lycophytes (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Aquatic & Hydrophyte (Floating Aquatic) |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | The Americas |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Aquatic (Freshwater Pond / Lake / River) |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A small, free-floating fern which has a prostrate growth form and grows along the water surface. |
|---|---|
| Roots | The roots are pendulous and unbranched. The roots are located under the leaves and originate from the branch nodes. |
| Foliage | Has green leaves which are scale-like and overlapping and arranged alternately on the stem. The leaves turn red in the presence of strong sunlight. |
| Stems | The stems are branched, prostrate and tread-like. |
| Similar | Can be found in stagnant or slow-moving water bodies under partial shade or sunny conditions. |
| Cultivation | Can be grown in water with pH levels of 6.0 to 8.0 and in temperatures of 15 to 30°C. It can grow in full sun or partial shade. |
| Etymology | Genus Azolla possibly refers to its inability to survive out of water. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Agriculture - Forestry: Can be used as animal feed. |
Landscaping Features
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Invasive / Potentially Invasive |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Easy to Grow |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Fertilizing | Does not require fertilizing as it has nitrogen-fixing qualities. |
| Propagation Method | Spore, Division |
| Plant Growth Rate Remarks | Has nitrogen fixing properties and can enrich the water, causing rapid plant growth. As such, it is not recommended for planting in waterscapes. Large quantities of the plant can also block off light to submersed plants growing below the water surface, can be an invasive plant if not managed properly. |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 246 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1542 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |