How to identify Giant duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza)
Giant duckweed, also known as Greater duckweed
Giant duckweed is a small aquatic fern that floats on the surface of water. It has flat, oval-shaped fronds that are typically 1/4 to 3/4 inch (6 mm to 2 cm) wide. The fronds are usually found in groups, connected by a short stolon, with each cluster containing up to 10 individuals. Its distinct color varies from green to reddish purple, mostly evident on the upper side, while the lower side tends to be a pale green. Roots hang underneath in the water, and are numerous but unbranched, typically reaching lengths of about 2 inches (5 cm).
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Floats on water surface with oval-shaped fronds.
Fronds green to reddish purple, 1/4 to 3/4 inch wide.
Small, inconspicuous flowers less than 1/16 inch in diameter.
Fruit is sack-like containing 1-2 seeds.
Fronds serve as leaves, oval or round, bright green.
Giant duckweed does not possess traditional leaves; instead, it features small, flattened fronds which serve a similar function. These fronds are typically oval or round, measuring about 0.25 inches (6 mm) in diameter. They are bright green and have a smooth texture, with several rootlets hanging beneath. The fronds often have a single vein and may occasionally show faint vein patterns. This unique adaptation aids in the plant's buoyancy and efficient nutrient absorption from the water.
The flowers of giant duckweed are extremely small and inconspicuous, measuring less than 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) in diameter. They typically lack petals and are not vividly colored, often appearing greenish or whitish. Arranged singly or in small clusters, they can be overlooked without close inspection. These minute flowers emit no noticeable scent. Giant duckweed blooms infrequently, primarily from June into the fall, making the observation of its flowers a rare event.
Giant duckweed lacks a typical stem. Instead of a defined stem structure, its body consists of flat, free-floating, green, circular fronds measuring about 0.5 inches (1-1.5 cm) in diameter. These fronds are clustered together, forming a densely packed mat on the water surface. The fronds themselves substitute for the stem, providing the necessary buoyancy and surface area for nutrient uptake and photosynthesis, a unique adaptation for an aquatic environment.
The fruit of giant duckweed forms as a tiny, inconspicuous sac, usually measuring less than 1/8 inch (3 mm) in length. This sac typically contains 1 or 2 seeds. The texture is smooth and slightly translucent, allowing some visibility of the seeds within. These seeds are minute, oval-shaped, and light brown. The fruit itself remains mostly submerged, contributing to the plant's buoyant nature and aquatic habitat.
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Scientific Classification of Giant duckweed
