BLOSSOMING TREASURES OF BIODIVERSITY 35. Mosquito Ferns (Azolla species) - tiny 'super plants'

摘要

Biodiversity is threatened by humankind's continuing usurpation of our planet's physical space and resources, and the associated damage to the landscape and atmosphere. Food production is widely acknowledged to be the most important human activity that needs to be addressed in order to mitigate the current biodiversity and environmental crises. In this contribution we feature obscure plants called Mosquito Ferns, whose minute size belies their incredible potential. Nicknamed 'super plants', these can not only produce food more rapidly than virtually any other life form, but do so in biodiversity-friendly ways that minimise use of space and energy resources. Mosquito Ferns are poised to become leading players in the search for sustainable relationships with the natural world.