Azolla filiculoides

Description

Azolla filiculoides, also known as water fern or Pacific mosquitofern, originates from North and South America, but has been introduced globally through human activity. This floating fern thrives in still to slow-moving waters such as ponds, lakes, and ditches. It can be found in the wild in Central Europe and is sometimes sold for garden ponds. Azolla filiculoides is a hardy floating aquarium plant that grows well under medium light conditions. In its natural habitat, it is robust and can survive cold temperatures and frost. This species has a unique symbiotic relationship with Anabaena azollae, a cyanobacterium that lives in the leaf cavity and makes atmospheric nitrogen available to Azolla, resulting in high nitrate content. Azolla filiculoides propagates by ramifying and breaking down its leaves, allowing for easy reproduction in aquariums. It is essential to ensure these plants are not released into the wild due to their potential invasive nature.