202 



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 dealers. Native to the Southern States. 



CRYSTALWORT 



Riccia fJiiitaiis grows in masses in small, angular shapes, resembling 

 crystal formation. 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 hid- 

 ing places. 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 this green mantle, 



greatly interfering 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 efl:ect beneficial to the finer breeds. The form 



most commonly found is Lcmna minor. Propagation is b}- oft'shoot 



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 bits of velvet connected by a thread. The roots are naturally 



Fig. 190, Salvinia 

 (Life size) 



Fig. 191. Trianea 

 (Slightly reduced) 



