Azolla pinnata
Azolla pinnata, commonly known as mosquito fern, is a tiny, free-floating aquatic fern celebrated for its remarkable nitrogen-fixing capabilities. Often used as a biofertilizer in rice paddies, this versatile plant plays a crucial role in sustainable agriculture, enhancing soil fertility and providing a nutrient-rich feed for livestock and fish.
- Scientific name: Azolla pinnata
- Family: Salviniaceae
- Native range: Australasia
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Azolla pinnata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Polypodiinae, it is classified under the order Salviniales and the family Salviniaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Azolla.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Polypodiinae | WCVP |
| Order | Salviniales | WCVP |
| Family | Salviniaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Azolla | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, known as Azolla pinnata, exhibits a widespread presence across various regions of Australia. It can be found growing in the waters of New South Wales and the Northern Territory. Furthermore, its distribution extends through the tropical and subtropical areas of Queensland. The species is also documented within the southern reaches of South Australia. Finally, its geographical range includes the temperate environments of Victoria.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | New South Wales | WCVP |
| Australia | Northern Territory | WCVP |
| Australia | Queensland | WCVP |
| Australia | South Australia | WCVP |
| Australia | Victoria | WCVP |
| Australia | Western Australia | WCVP |
| New Zealand | New Zealand North | WCVP |
| Southwestern Pacific | New Caledonia | WCVP |
| North-Central Pacific | Hawaii | WCVP |
| Southwestern U.S.A. | California | WCVP |
Activities
Azolla pinnata has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Azolla pinnata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include oxidative stress.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |