Who Knew?

[Subrosa]

I've been dealing with Azolla caroliniana for decades, either growing it or trying not to grow it, but this is a new one on me! I have some in a large outdoor aquarium which is part of my rainwater storage set up that I grow water plants and breed fish in over the summer. I often use the water from the tank to water other plants in my collection, including a few that are kept in a birdbath which acts like a water tray. I just noticed these strange looking clumps growing in my Bog Lily pot, and at first thought they were a Liverwort. Upon closer inspection it turns out to be the Azolla. I never knew it would grow terrestrially, but a bit of research confirmed it.

[Orchid killer]

Interesting ... I've never seen that before.

[Leafmite]

Many of the plants sold for aquariums can grow in bogs or even non-bogs. I have seen this one growing in my jewel-orchid's pot but I did remove it as I didn't want it. Some plants will just grow anywhere. Then there are those that are very picky....

[katrina]

Interesting. I've had this in pots and pulled it out but never thought much about what it might be. I just considered it an unwanted weed. I learn something new every day! Thanks for sharing.

[Subrosa]

It's actually a very interesting and useful plant. It has a symbiotic relationship with a cyanobacteria which allows it to fix nitrogen from the air. I've learned that it's commonly used in the production of rice because of this ability and its rapid growth which helps it act as a mulch of sorts. It prevents light from getting below the surface of the water which prevents the growth of submerged weeds while it fertilizes the rice.