Lemna minor

Lemna minor, commonly known as duckweed, is a free-floating aquatic plant from the family Araceae. It is one of the smallest flowering plants and is native to most parts of the world.

Description

Lemna minor is a perennial plant that forms a thin, continuous layer on the surface of still or slow-moving bodies of water such as ponds, marshes, and lakes. Each individual plant is a flat, oval-shaped body called a frond that measures about 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. The fronds are usually green, but can turn red under certain conditions. Each frond has a single root that hangs down into the water.

Distribution and habitat

Lemna minor is found worldwide, except in the coldest regions. It prefers nutrient-rich, still or slow-moving water bodies. It can tolerate a wide range of pH levels and temperatures, but growth is best in slightly acidic to neutral water with temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Ecology

Lemna minor plays a significant role in the ecosystem. It provides food for waterfowl and cover for aquatic invertebrates. It also helps to reduce water evaporation and to control the growth of algae by blocking sunlight.

Uses

Lemna minor has several uses. It is used in aquaculture as a food source for fish and in wastewater treatment to remove nutrients and other pollutants. It is also used in phytoremediation to remove heavy metals from contaminated water.

Cultivation

Lemna minor is easy to cultivate. It requires a nutrient-rich water source, sunlight, and a still or slow-moving water body. It reproduces rapidly, often doubling its population in just a few days.

Research

Research is being conducted on the use of Lemna minor in biofuel production due to its high growth rate and ability to accumulate high levels of starch.

See also

• Araceae
• Aquatic plants
• Phytoremediation
• Biofuel