Tropical water fern

Tropical water fern

Azolla cristata tropical

Common Name:

Tropical water fern

Scientific Name:

Azolla cristata tropical


Alternative common names:

Watervaring (Afrikaans)

Description:

Roots3--5 cm.Stems prostrate, 1--3 cm, or nearlyerect, 3--5 cm,hairs absent. Leaves with 1(--2) -celled hairs on upper surface of upperlobe.Sporocarpsin pairs. Megasporocarp megaspore with 3floats. Microsporocarp masses entirely covered with arrowlikebarbs.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

South America

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

NEMBA Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Throughout most wetlands in South Africa

How does it spread?

Throughout most wetlands in South Africa Feet and feathers of water birds and Spores and detached plant segments

Why is it a problem?

Outcompetes with native plants and can rapidly cover an open water surface and severely degrade aquatic ecosystems.

What does it look like?

Leaves: Silvery green leaves
Flowers: none
Fruit/seeds: Fruiting are minute

Does the plant have any uses?

Ornamental plant.

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