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frogbit: Hydrocharis morsus-ranae
frogbit, Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, is an aquatic plant found not only in ponds, but also in lakes and slow-flowing streams.
What is frogbit good for?
frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) accounts for several aspects of a freshwater environment, including:
- Water purification: frogbit is an excellent water purifying plant. It absorbs nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from the water, which can help reduce algae growth. This helps maintain clear and healthy water in ponds and lakes.
- Habitat for aquatic animals: The dense floating leaves of frogbit provide shelter and food for various aquatic animals, including fish, frogs, dragonfly larvae and aquatic insects. It contributes to biodiversity in freshwater habitats.
- Protection against erosion: The roots of frogbit help anchor the soil along the banks of ponds and lakes, which can help prevent erosion.
- Aesthetic value: frogbit adds a natural and attractive look to water features. The delicate white flowers rising above the water's surface add a touch of beauty to the surroundings.
- Natural shade: The floating leaves of frogbit provide natural shade for the underlying water layers. This can help regulate water temperature and prevent excessive warming.
In short, frogbit is beneficial for improving water quality, supporting aquatic biodiversity and beautifying freshwater habitats such as ponds and lakes. It is a valuable addition to aquatic landscapes and contributes to the balance and health of these ecosystems.
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How fast does frogbit grow?
The growth rate of frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) can vary depending on several factors, including environmental conditions and nutrient availability. In general, frogbit is known for its rapid growth, especially under favorable conditions.
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Where does frogbit grow?
frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) grows primarily in freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, slow-flowing streams, marshes and other still or slow-flowing bodies of water. This plant thrives in shallow water where the soil is usually muddy or sandy. The preference for shallow water allows frogbit to bring its floating leaves to the surface of the water, where they can easily capture sunlight for photosynthesis. frogbit is found in many parts of the world and has spread to several continents. It often grows near the shore, where it can benefit from sunlight and nutrients washed into the water from the surrounding soil. Because of its ability to grow quickly and purify water, frogbit is often found in artificial ponds and water features where it is used to improve water quality and give a natural look to landscaping.
Is frogbit an oxygen plant?
frogbit is considered an oxygen plant. Oxygen plants are aquatic plants capable of producing oxygen through photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. In water, oxygen plants contribute to the oxygenation of water, which is essential for the prevention of algae.
Crab beds (Stratiotes aloides)
Crabweed is often considered a more effective oxygen plant than frogbit for several reasons:
- Faster growth: Crabgrass generally has a faster growth rate than frogbit. It grows rapidly and can expand, producing more oxygen in a shorter time.
- Increased oxygen production: Because of its fast-growing nature, crabgrass has the potential to release significant amounts of oxygen into the water. This can be beneficial in oxygenating ponds or aquariums.
- Density of leaves: Crabgrass has densely packed fine leaves that provide a large surface area for photosynthesis. This increases the efficiency of oxygen production.
- Beneficial side effects: In addition to oxygen production, crabgrass also helps absorb nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from the water, which can help reduce algal blooms.
- Easy to maintain: Crabgrass is usually easy to grow and maintain in ponds or aquariums. It requires no special care and can thrive under a variety of conditions.
Therefore, crabweed may be a better alternative to frogbit when it comes to improving oxygenation and managing water quality in the pond.
Is frogbit indigenous?
frogbit is native to many parts of Europe, Asia and North Africa. It is a natural aquatic plant that occurs naturally in freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, slow-flowing streams, marshes and other still or slow-flowing bodies of water in these regions. frogbit can also be found in other parts of the world where it has been introduced or naturalized, often as a result of human activities. In some cases it can become an invasive species, especially in areas outside its native range, where it can spread rapidly and displace other native aquatic plants .
Is frogbit hardy?
is generally hardy in temperate climates. It is adapted to seasonal changes in temperature and can survive in winter even if the above-ground parts die. In spring, new shoots and leaves usually grow from the rhizomes of the plant. But this depends on the climate, in colder climates like in the Netherlands frogbit is not hardy, then it is better to choose a hardy oxygen plant like hornwort.
Simon van der Velde
Pond specialist and aquatic plant grower since 1986
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