Wolffia arrhiza

Wolffia arrhiza is a species of flowering plant in the Araceae family. It is known by several common names, including spotless watermeal and rootless duckweed. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, but it can be found in other parts of the world as an introduced species.

Description

Wolffia arrhiza is a very small, free-floating plant. It is the smallest vascular plant on Earth. It has no roots, and its tiny, oval body is green and buoyant, generally measuring less than a millimeter wide. The plant reproduces asexually, producing a new plant bud every two days or so.

Habitat and Distribution

Wolffia arrhiza is found in calm freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It often forms dense mats on the water surface. This species is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, but it has also been introduced to North America and Australia.

Uses

Wolffia arrhiza has been used as a food source in some cultures due to its high protein content. It is also used in aquariums and ponds for its ability to reduce algae growth by shading the water and absorbing excess nutrients.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Wolffia arrhiza is not currently a concern due to its widespread distribution and ability to thrive in a variety of freshwater habitats.

See Also

• Duckweed
• Araceae
• Aquatic Plants

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