Giant duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza)

Giant duckweed

Also known as: Greater duckweed

Giant duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza) is a fast-growing aquatic plant found all over the world. It produces a mat of greenery on the surface of slow-moving water bodies. Giant duckweed has begun to be used for creating biofuels, for bioremediation projects, and in carbon cycling systems due to its quick life cycle and small genome.

Scientific classification

Species

Giant duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza)

Water plantains and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

5 mm to 1 cm

Spread

Evergreen

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Giant duckweed

Attributes of Giant duckweed

Growth Rate

With a moderate growth rate, giant duckweed develops noticeably during spring. New leaves emerge, expanding the plant's surface coverage and enhancing nutrient uptake. Leaf density evolves based on the moderate growth pattern, avoiding overcrowding. The species exhibits slower growth in other seasons.

Distribution of Giant duckweed

Distribution Map

Giant duckweed is naturally found in an expansive range across multiple continents, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America, reflecting its versatile adaptability to various freshwater habitats. Beyond its native regions, giant duckweed has been introduced to locales like Southeast Asia, adapting well to new environments and expanding its geographic presence.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

In many types of freshwater habitat.

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Quickly Identify Giant duckweed

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.

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Care Guide for Giant duckweed

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from calm freshwater habitats, giant duckweed thrives in moist environments and requires weekly watering. It adapts well to floating life, rapidly covering surfaces to alter microclimates, influencing light and temperature, and providing shelter and oxygenation to aquatic life, playing a vital ecological role.

Fertilize: Fertilize giant duckweed biweekly with balanced liquid fertilizers for growth and vitality, applying evenly and adhering to dosages. Reduce frequency in winter. Ensure fertilizer dissolves fully in water and monitor response to maintain optimum health.

Pruning: Giant duckweed features floating green fronds and requires regular thinning in dense growth to promote health. Prune in early to late spring to encourage growth, enhance aesthetics, and improve pond water quality. Consistent maintenance supports a balanced ecosystem and vigorous development.

Propagation: Giant duckweed is a free-floating aquatic plant that propagates mainly through vegetative means by separating mature fronds. It requires nutrient-rich, still or slow-moving waters for optimal growth, achieving rapid coverage with minimal intervention by distributing fragments in a suitable environment.

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Images of Giant duckweed

Attributes of Giant duckweed

Distribution of Giant duckweed

Quickly Identify Giant duckweed

Care Guide for Giant duckweed

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