Duckweed

Family: Araceae  Subfamily: Lemnoideae

Among the smallest flowering plants on Earth, duckweed has the look of a mini lilypad as it floats on the surface of quiet waters.

Habitat

Look for duckweed in freshwater places around the world. It loves still or slow-moving waters with lots of nutrients. You might spot it on the surface of ponds, marshes, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.

Food

Like other plants, duckweed makes its own food through photosynthesis. They also absorb nutrients from the water.

Behaviour

Duckweed have small structures with air pockets that allow it to float. New duckweed are created by outgrowths or from seeds produced by tiny flowers measuring just 0.3 mm (3/256 in). Ducks, and other water birds and mammals, spread duckweed to different waterbodies as they feed on it. Frogs, fish, insects, and other water animals, depend on duckweed for shade and shelter.

Conservation

Duckweed is common and of low conservation concern. Sometimes it is considered a nuisance when it covers the surface of recreational waterbodies. Much research is on-going to learn more about, and harness, the nutrient content of duckweed for use as a potential clean energy source, help in the removal of nutrients from water, and prevent evaporation.

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