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Synonyms: |
Azolla africana Desv. Azolla guineensis Schumach. Azollla pinnata R.Br. var. africana (Desv.) Baker |
Common names: | |
Frequency: | |
Status: | Native |
Description: |
Small floating ferns, whole plant oblong to deltoid in outline, up to 20 × 15 mm. Rhizome up to 0.2 mm in diameter, horizontal, branched into 3-5 alternate pinnae. Roots single or in fascicles of 2-3 at the branche nodes, up to 3.5 cm long, hairy, with conspicuous root cap. Leaves minute in 2 rows, dark green, 2-lobed; upper lobe up to 1.1 mm long, ovate to broadly elliptic in outline, apex pointed, papillate in the centre and with a hyaline border; lower lobe colourless, more or less equal in size. Plant heterosporous, sporocarps on the submerged lower lobes of the leaves. |
Notes: | |
Derivation of specific name: | pinnata: with pinnate leaves, refers to the distinctly pinnate arrangements of the branches of the stem. |
Habitat: | Forms dense mats on shallow water or lakes, ponds and backwaters of rivers. |
Worldwide distribution: | South Africa, southern Mozambique, northern parts of Namibia & Botswana & Zimbabwe; widespread throughout tropical africa; also Madagascar, New Guinea, Australia. |
Growth form(s): | Aquatic. |
Endemic status: | |
Red data list status: | |
Insects associated with this species: | |
Spot characters: | Display spot characters for this species |
Literature: |
Burrows, J.E. (1990). Southern African Ferns and Fern Allies. Frandsen, Sandton. Pages 81 - 82. (Includes a picture). Burrows, J.E. & Burrows, S.M. (1993). An annotated check-list of the pteridophytes of Malawi Kirkia 14(1) Page 83. As Azolla pinnata R.Br. Crouch, N.R., Klopper, R.R., Burrows, J.E. & Burrows, S.M. (2011). Ferns of Southern Africa, A comprehensive guide Struik Nature Pages 212 - 214. (Includes a picture). Da Silva, M.C., Izidine, S. & Amude, A.B. (2004). A preliminary checklist of the vascular plants of Mozambique. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 30 Sabonet, Pretoria Page 9. Germishuizen, G. & Meyer, N.L. (eds) (2003). Plants of southern Africa: an annotated checklist. Strelitzia 14 Page 68. Jacobsen, W.B.G. (1983). The Ferns and Fern Allies of Southern Africa. Butterworths, Durban and Pretoria. Pages 493 - 494. (Includes a picture). Kornas, J. (1979). Distribution and ecology of the Pteridophytes in Zambia Polska Akademia Nauk Wydzial II Nauk Biologicznych Page 123. Mapaura, A. & Timberlake, J. (eds) (2004). A checklist of Zimbabwean vascular plants Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 33 Sabonet, Pretoria and Harare Page 5. Roux, J.P. (2001). Conspectus of Southern African Pteridophyta. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report 13 Page 179. Roux, J.P. (2009). Synopsis of the Lycopodiophyta and Pteridophyta of Africa, Madagascar and neighbouring islands Page 59. Schelpe, E.A.C.L.E. (1970). Pteridophyta Flora Zambesiaca Pages 69 - 70. Setshogo, M.P. (2005). Preliminary checklist of the plants of Botswana. Sabonet Report no. 37. Sabonet, Pretoria and Gaborone Page 15. Timberlake, J.R. & Childes, S.L. (2004). Biodiversity of the Four Corners Area: Technical Reviews Volume Two (Chapter 5-15) Appendix 5-1: Plant Checklist Occasional Publications in Biodiversity 15 Page 179. as Azolla pinnata |
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