Frogbit, Free
floating small plant (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) resembling
a miniature lily pad. It has nickel sized, kidney shaped,
green leaves about 1 inch or less across that grow in circular
clusters. New pads rise from the cluster center to produce
new growth. A white flower with a yellow center may be tucked
among the leaves. The undersides of the leaves are puffed
with spongy, air-holding tissue. The roots are beautiful
fan like extensions that can grow two inches or more and
absorb nutrients directly from the water without having
to anchor or even touch the bottom.
 I've
notice my betta's tend to spend a lot of time swimming around
the plants I add in their home. They also tend to become
the center pieces for the bubble nests.
 Top
view of the dime sized leaflets of frogbit. These keep the
plant afloat and absorb needed light. On the underside we
see sponge like cells which enable this buoyancy and add
thickness to the leaf.
 Here
we see the delicate feathery roots that absorb nutrients
form the water and provide limited coverage for fish to
swim around and shrimp to cling to.
 a
stem like root that branches out from it's feathery neighbor
roots. It's main function seems to be try and anchor the
plant for permanently into the ground where I assume it
will take on additional nutrients and growth.
 One
becomes Two and Two become a cluster of Four. By sending
small off shoots out onto the surface and then growing into
new plants which will eventually separate completely.
Possible sources of Frogbit
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