Salvinia molesta D.S.Mitch. APNI* 
Description: Aquatic fern, free-floating, 5–20 cm long.
Fronds in whorls of 3, the 2 floating fronds strongly keeled, ± circular to ovate, 1–4 cm long, base cordate, the upper surface densely papillate, papillae terminated by 2 or 4 setae incurved and joined at their tips (shaped like an egg-whisk), the lower surface bearing densely matted, multicellular, brown hairs.
Sporocarps borne in large numbers on pendent branches of the submerged, much divided leaf. Sporocarps sterile since this species is apparently of hybrid origin; plant spreads vegetatively by fragmentation.
Distribution and occurrence: Often floating on dams and ponds; introduced from S Amer.
NSW subdivisions: *NC, *CC, *SC, *CWS, *SWP
Other Australian states: *Qld *Vic. *W.A. *S.A. *N.T.
Text by Peter G. Wilson
Taxon concept: Flora of NSW 1 (1990)
APNI* Provides a link to the Australian Plant Name Index (hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens) for comprehensive bibliographic data
***The AVH map option provides a detailed interactive Australia wide distribution map drawn from collections held by all major Australian herbaria participating in the Australian Virtual Herbarium project.
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