Azollaceae
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Mosquito fern family
Azollaceae
アカウキクサ科
A monotypic family of free-floating aquatic ferns comprising only the genus Azolla. Harbors symbiotic cyanobacteria (Anabaena azollae) within leaf cavities, enabling nitrogen fixation. Used as green manure in Asian rice paddies. In Japan, Azolla species are found in rice paddies and ponds.
Key Characteristics
- ●Heterosporous aquatic fern
- ●Symbiotic cyanobacteria (Anabaena) housed in leaf cavities (nitrogen fixation)
- ●Leaves small and bilobed, overlapping to cover the water surface
- ●Turns red (anthocyanin pigmentation) in autumn
Phylogenetic Position
Vascular plants > Polypodiophyta > Polypodiopsida > Salviniales > Azollaceae
Divergence Era
Cretaceous (ca. 80 million years ago–)
Representative Genera
アカウキクサ属（Azolla）
Related Evolution Events
- ・Establishment of endosymbiosis with cyanobacteria (Anabaena) for nitrogen fixation within leaf cavities
- ・Involvement in the 'Azolla Event' of the late Cretaceous to Paleocene (massive proliferation in the Arctic Ocean)
Plants in Mosquito fern family on this site
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