56 



AQUATIC PLANTS 



AZOLLA 



Azolla caroliniana is one of the less-used of small floating aquatics. 

 It is not in any way a brilliant plant, but has a rather quaint charm. 

 The leaves are of velvety appearance and range from a dull sage-green 

 to dark red, according to age and the conditions of light. To be had 

 of some dealers. Native to the Southern States. 



CRYSTALWORT 



Riccia jiuitans grows in masses. It floats just beneath the surface 

 and is valuable in the propagation of small tropical fishes, some depositing 

 eggs in it, and the new-born young of the live-bearing varieties using it 

 for hiding places. 



Riccia is an extremely active oxygenator and when in masses holds 

 large bubbles of oxygen well into the night, until absorbed by the water. 

 A valuable characteristic. The plant likes a few hours of sun. Native 

 to the Eastern States and may be had of dealers in aquatics. 



DUCKWEED 



This commonest of all floating plants is found in several species in 

 still pools everywhere. From the middle of summer until cold weather 

 many ponds are completely covered with its green mantle, greatly inter- 

 fering with the work of collecting daphnia for fishfood. Duckweed itself 

 is a good food for goldfishes large enough to eat it, and has a laxative 

 effect beneficial to the finer breeds. The form most commonly found 

 is Lemna minor. Propagation is by offshoot extensions. 



SALVINIA 



Of the small floating aquatics Salvinia is one of the best. The heart- 

 shaped leaves with bristle-like growth on the upper surface seem like 



Fig. 44. Salvinia (Life size) 



Fig. 45. Trianea 

 (Slightly reduced) 



