Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica

Description

Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica is a small aquatic fern that floats on the water surface. It is commonly known as the mosquito fern due to its ability to reduce mosquito breeding in stagnant water. This plant is used for various purposes, such as nitrogen fixation, animal feed, and as a biofertilizer. It has been found to have high protein content and is a good source of feed for ducks and fish. The plant has tiny, scale-like leaves that are green in colour and are arranged in a compact manner. Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica reproduces rapidly and can double its biomass in just a few days under favourable conditions.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica has small, triangular leaves that are less than one centimetre in length. The leaves are a bright green colour and are arranged in pairs along the stem. The plant has small, root-like structures underneath the leaves that help it to absorb nutrients from the water. Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica is a very small plant, typically less than one centimetre in height, and is often found in dense mats on the water surface. It is easy to identify due to its unique appearance and fast growth rate.

Care Guide

Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica is a very hardy plant and requires minimal care. It prefers still or slow-moving water, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The plant requires regular water changes to maintain its health and nutrient levels. It can be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer, but care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as this can cause excessive growth and reduce the oxygen levels in the water. The plant can be grown in a variety of soils and does not require a specific type of substrate. Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica requires partial to full sunlight and can grow in hardiness zones 8-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to bacterial infections that can cause the plant to turn yellow or brown and die. These infections can be treated with a copper-based fungicide. The plant can also be attacked by snails and other herbivores, which can be controlled with the use of traps or natural predators.

Habitat

Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica is native to Asia, but can be found in other parts of the world, including Africa, Australia, and South America. It is commonly found in ponds, lakes, and other still or slow-moving bodies of water. The plant is highly adaptable and can grow in a variety of conditions, including brackish water, which makes it a useful plant for wastewater treatment and other environmental applications.

Question and Answer

Q: What is Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica used for?

A: Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica is used for various purposes, including nitrogen fixation, animal feed, and as a biofertilizer.

Q: What pH does Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica prefer?

A: Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

Q: What is the growth rate of Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica?

A: Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica reproduces rapidly and can double its biomass in just a few days under favourable conditions.

Q: Where is Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica native to?

A: Azolla Pinnata Subsp. Asiatica is native to Asia.

Related Plants

• Azolla Caroliniana
• Azolla Filiculoides
• Azolla Mexicana
• Azolla Microphylla

References

• Brouwer, P., Fraanje, P., & van Breemen, E. M. (1990). The production and utilization of Azolla as animal feed. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2(3), 33-42.
• Reddy, M. P., Prasad, M. N. V., & Shivashankar, G. (2004). Algal biomass and Azolla-Anabaena association for removal of heavy metals from polluted waters. Ecological Engineering, 23(2), 107-112.
• Villarreal, J. C., & Renzaglia, K. S. (2015). A review of molecular phylogenetic studies of liverworts, hornworts, and mosses. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 93, 934-948.