Azolla fern , scientifically known as Azolla pinnata , is indeed consider an invasive metal money in several neighborhood , including New Zealand and the Cook Islands . As a horticulture and landscape gardening expert , I can supply you with a elaborate account of why Azolla fern is considered incursive and the impact it can have on its surround .
1 . innovation to Azolla fern : Azolla fern is a modest aquatic fern that floats on the surface of still or tardily - moving water bodies . It is aboriginal to tropical and subtropical region but has been introduced to various parts of the world , include New Zealand and the Cook Islands . Azolla fern is often refer to as a “ body of water fern ” or “ mosquito fern ” due to its ability to cover the body of water aerofoil and stamp down mosquito breeding .
2 . invading nature of Azolla fern : The trespassing nature of Azolla fern stems from its rapid growth and ability to mold slow mats on the water surface . These mats can promptly encompass large areas of water consistency , outcompeting aboriginal plant and disrupting the natural balance of the ecosystem . Azolla ferns procreate both vegetatively and sexually , allowing them to spread speedily and establish themselves in new areas .
3 . Impact on the ecosystem : The dumb mats mould by Azolla fern can have detrimental effects on the ecosystem . They can kibosh sunlight from reaching the underlying water supply , limiting photosynthesis and oxygen production . This can moderate to diminish oxygen levels in the water , potentially harm fish and other aquatic organisms . The dense mats can also impede water supply flow , affect nutrient cycling and reducing the availability of resource for other plants and animals .
4 . economical and environmental implication : The invasive nature of Azolla fern can have meaning economic and environmental import . In agricultural preferences , Azolla fern can reduce water quality and hinder irrigation systems by clogging pipes and channels . It can also vie with crop for food and water , affecting harvest return . In natural habitat , the presence of Azolla fern can displace native vegetation and neuter the habitat structure , potentially leading to a declination in biodiversity .
5 . Control and management : Efforts are often made to control and manage the paste of Azolla fern in affected areas . forcible removal , such as raking or netting , can be employed to manually take away the fern from body of water bodies . Chemical control condition methods , such as the use of herbicides specifically plan for aquatic plants , may also be utilized . However , it is all-important to consider the potential impacts of these control methods on non - target species and the overall ecosystem .
Azolla fern , specifically Azolla pinnata , is deliberate an invasive specie in various regions , including New Zealand and the Cook Islands . Its power to work dense mats on the water surface and outcompete native vegetation can have detrimental effects on the ecosystem , leading to decreased O levels , altered home ground structure , and reduced biodiversity . effort to keep in line and contend Azolla fern ’s spread head are crucial to extenuate its impacts on both agricultural and natural organization .
Caroline Bates
