Azolla microphylla (Mexican Mosquito Fern)
Credit: Carl Rothfels
about the species
Azolla microphylla is a small, free-floating aquatic fern from the order Salviniales found in relatively still waters, ponds, and lakes, both in the water and along its edges. These plants are found from southern British Columbia through the Basin and Range province, and down into South America. Unlike other true ferns, A. microphylla and other members of its order are heterosporous. Like other members of its genus, A. microphylla is a nitrogen fixer, and can sequester large amounts of carbon due to their rapid annual blooms and busts.
why species was selected
These plants are also ecologically and economically significant as nitrogen fixers, providing organically available nitrogen to not only natural systems, but to agricultural ones. In addition, they can also act as a substantial carbon sink under the right conditions.
