Biology:Lemna minuta

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Short description: Species of flowering plant in the family Araceae

Lemna minuta
Lemnaminuta.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Lemna
Species:
L. minuta
Binomial name
Lemna minuta
Kunth
Synonyms

Lemna minuscula

Lemna minuta is a species of duckweed known by the common name least duckweed.[2][3] It is the smallest Lemna species.[4] It is native to parts of the Americas, and naturalized in others; the exact native range is not known. It is found on other continents as a non-native introduction as well. The plant's distribution is ever-expanding; it has been spreading in Europe and it was described from Poland for the first time in 2007.[5] In many areas it is a noxious weed, such as in Belgium.[6]

This tiny plant varies in shape depending on growth conditions. In the shade it is a single green translucent oval body no more than 2.5 millimeters long, and in full sunlight it generally grows in pairs. There is a central vein usually visible under magnification and microscopy. The plant produces an ephemeral membrane-bound flower.

This duckweed grows in slow-moving, calm, and stagnant freshwater habitats. It affects the ecology of its habitat by forming mats on the water surface, reducing sunlight penetration and oxygen exchange.[6]

References

External links

Wikidata ☰ Q159886 entry