Feathered mosquitofern

Azolla pinnata is a small, free-floating fern that forms dense mats on the surface of freshwater habitats. It is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, including the Afrotropical, Australasian, Oriental, and Palaearctic realms. It is commonly known as feathered mosquitofern and is often used in aquaculture and as a biofertilizer due to its rapid growth and nitrogen-fixing capabilities. The plant thrives in still or slow-moving water and is sensitive to fast currents and waves, which can damage its delicate fronds. It was first described in 1810 by Robert Brown.