Spirodela polyrhiza

Spirodela polyrhiza, also known as Greater Duckweed, is a species of aquatic plant in the Araceae family. It is one of the smallest flowering plants and is native to most parts of the world.

Description

Spirodela polyrhiza is a free-floating, perennial aquatic plant. It has a simple body structure, consisting of a flat, oval-shaped thallus that is green on the top and purple on the bottom. The thallus is 4-10 mm long and 3-7 mm wide. It has several roots (up to 21) that hang down into the water from the underside of the thallus.

Distribution and habitat

Spirodela polyrhiza is found worldwide, except in the coldest regions. It prefers calm, nutrient-rich water bodies, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It can also be found in rice fields and other agricultural water bodies.

Ecology

Spirodela polyrhiza is an important part of the aquatic ecosystem. It provides shelter and food for many aquatic animals, including fish and waterfowl. It also plays a role in nutrient cycling and water purification.

Uses

Spirodela polyrhiza has several uses. It is used in aquaculture as a feed for fish and ducks. It is also used in wastewater treatment to remove nutrients and pollutants. In addition, it has potential for use in bioenergy production due to its high growth rate and starch content.

Research

Research is being conducted on Spirodela polyrhiza for its potential use in bioremediation and bioenergy production. It has been found to be effective in removing heavy metals from wastewater. It also has a high starch content, which makes it a potential source of biofuel.

See also

• Duckweed
• Aquatic plants
• Araceae

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