About Azolla rubra R.Br.
Azolla rubra R.Br., commonly called red azolla and Pacific azolla, is an aquatic fern species. It is native to Australia and New Zealand, where it also bears several Māori names: returetu, roturotu, kārearea and kārerarera. This species is confirmed to be found in Australia and New Zealand. Its confirmed range within New Zealand includes the North Island, the South Island, and Raoul Island in the Kermadec Islands. Researchers think the species' range may also extend to Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Japan. It grows to form extensive red mats on the surfaces of slow-moving water bodies, including natural sites like streams, lakes, ponds, and swamps. It can also grow in man-made water bodies such as farm ponds, drains, ditches, dams, and cattle troughs.
