|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
The Water Fountain - Floating Aquatics |
Generally speaking, the winter losses are immaterial for they
do mean that the growths are reduced and where, as is usual,
just a few plants escape harm, they are sufficient to maintain
a regular supply of the intricately branched growths which
resemble a delicate lace pattern.
Unless it is kept in strict control this subject is best excluded
from small or smallish ponds and pools.
Azolla caroliniana is the best-known species although it is a
native of the United States and Southern America. The pale
green lacy foliage is of fine appearance and becomes almost a
reddish hue in the autumn.
A. filiculoides has rather larger fronds being more suitable
for slightly warm water.
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, the Frogbit, is a most graceful
floating plant, its first name actually meaning water elegance
which is truly descriptive. It has small kidney-shaped leaves
and three-petalled white flowers. It likes fairly shallow water
and full sun. It multiplies rather rapidly by means of terminal
buds at the end of little runners. In the autumn, these buds
drop off and sink to the bottom of the pond. They reappear in
spring, floating on the surface and should be thinned out in
order to avoid overcrowding. Watch must be kept for water
snails which seem to like to feed on the leaves which can soon
become spoiled if the snails are not checked.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
