Story: Life in fresh water

Floating fern

Floating fern

The native floating fern retoreto (Azolla rubra) forms reddish mats that cover Motuoapa Swamp near Lake Taupō. Many of New Zealand’s aquatic native plants have been replaced by exotic species. Azolla rubra is a notable exception. In fresh water such as Lake Taupō introduced plants have largely replaced native plants at depths of 2–10 metres.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10056901
Photograph by A. G. Hall

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How to cite this page:

Roger Young, 'Life in fresh water - Plants and recyclers', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/11627/floating-fern (accessed 27 April 2024)

Story by Roger Young, published 24 Sep 2007