A New Generic Record (Azolla, Salviniaceae)to the Aquatic Pteridoflora of Iraq

Abdulridha A.A. Al Mayah; Sahar A.A. Malik Al Saadi; Jennan N. Abdulla

Volume : VI, Issue : II, February - 2016

A New Generic Record (Azolla, Salviniaceae)to the Aquatic Pteridoflora of Iraq

Abdulridha A. A. Al Mayah, Sahar A. A. Malik Al Saadi, Jennan N. Abdulla

Abstract :

The genus Azolla Lam. (Salviniaceae previously Azollaceae, Pteridophyta) with the species Azolla filiculoides Lam. were identified and recorded for the first time for the aquatic Pteridophyta of Iraq. The species appeared in two locations in Hartha marshland about thirty kms North Basrah Southern Iraq. A ief description for the genus Azolla and full description with diagnostic characteristics supported by photographs for the species A. filiculoides were given. Local habitat, geographical distribution, associated plant communities and acompanying species were illustrated. Azolla filiculoides was seen to have a clear association with Lemna minor. Key to the Salviniaceae genera of Iraq is provided and their distribution is mapped.