Ferny and Red azolla

Azolla pinnata / Azolla filiculoides

family

Azollaceae

origin

Native

declaration

NIL

NIL

For information only

Common names

Ferny Azolla.

A small free-floating plant (0.8-3 cm long) that is green, reddish-green or reddish-purple in colour plants have a main stem with several branches regularly arranged on either side and are usually somewhat triangular in shape. These branches readily fragment from the base, leading to the formation of new plants. Its roots have numerous fine side branches that give them a feathery appearance its tiny overlapping 'leaves' (1-2 mm long) are alternately arranged along the branches and borne in two regular rows.

Leaf arrangement:Fern-like
Leaf form:Basal
Inconspicuous
Green
Red

Impact

Impact

The presence of Azolla in a waterway is generally beneficial. However, in circumstances where waterways are extremely rich in nutrients, prolificgrowth may be a problem. It also is possible that thick, complete coverings of Azolla can cause de-oxygenation of the water.

Location

Location

Characteristics

Characteristics

Similar Species

Similar Species

Control Methods