Status:
valid
Authors:
Lam.
Source:
tro
Year:
1783
Citation Micro:
Encycl. 1: 343 (1783)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001109620
Common Names
- Azolla Filiculoides
- Red Azolla
- Red Waterfern
Description
Azolla filiculoides (also called fairy moss, among many other common names) is a floating aquatic fern native to North America. It is found in slow-moving or still water, such as ponds and lakes. It has small, round leaves with a velvety texture and is often used in aquariums and water gardens.
Uses & Benefits
Azolla filiculoides is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used as a natural fertilizer for paddy fields.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Azolla filiculoides sub. cristata (Kaulf.) Fraser-Jenk.
Azolla filiculoides sub. filiculoides
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Azolla filiculoides has small, floating, green leaves that are divided into two parts. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and the seeds are tiny and black. Seedlings are small and green, and the leaves are divided into two parts.
Where to Find Azolla filiculoides
Azolla filiculoides is native to temperate regions of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
Species in the Azolla genus
Species in the Salviniaceae family
Azolla pinnata,
Azolla caroliniana,
Azolla filiculoides,
Azolla microphylla,
Azolla rubra,
Azolla nilotica,
Salvinia martynii,
Salvinia hastata,
Salvinia auriculata,
Salvinia minima,
Salvinia molesta,
Salvinia nymphellula,
Salvinia natans,
Salvinia sprucei,
Salvinia biloba,
Salvinia oblongifolia,