Lemna minor L.

Distribution

Biogeografic region: Andean. Colombian departments: Bogotá DC.

Conservation

IUCN Red List Assessment (2021): LC.

Ecology

Habitat according IUCN Habitats Classification: forest and woodland, savanna, shrubland, artificial - terrestrial.

CATE Araceae, 17 Dec 2011. araceae.e-monocot.org

Vernacular

Lesser Duckweed, or Duckmeat

Diagnostic

Fronds not coloured on the lower surface or if slightly reddish, the upper surface is more intensely coloured; does not occur in East Asia. Thallus with small cells and small airspaces; root arising in a groove. Root sheath not winged.

General Description

FRONDS 1-8 (very rarely up to 10) mm long, 0.6-5.0 (very rarely up to 7.0) mm wide, 1 1/3-2 times as long as wide; shiny on the upper surface; with some indistinct papules along the median line (papules near the tip and above the node somewhat larger than the ones between), with 3 (rarely up to 4-5) nerves; if 4-5 nerves present the outer lateral nerves originate from the lower part of the inner lateral nerves,; never gibbous (not thicker than about 1 mm), on the upper surface occasionally diffusely reddish (especially during the cold season), on the lower surface very rarely slightly reddish (but much less intensely than on the upper surface); greatest distance between the inner lateral nerves in or somewhat below the middle of the nerves; largest air spaces rarely wider than 0.3 mm; rootcap usually rounded (living and dried material) ; no rootless turions which sink to the bottom of the water present. INFLORESCENCE: Plants occasionally flowering and very rarely fruiting. Ovary with 1 ovule; style 0.10-0.15 mm long INFRUCTESCENCE: fruit 0.8-1.0 mm long, 0.8-1.1 mm wide, with winged margin; wing 0.05-0.10 mm wide; seed 0.7-1.0 mm long, 0.4-0.6 mm thick, whitish, with 10-16 distinct ribs, stays within the fruit wall after ripening.

Habitat

Stagnant waters, covering the surface with a green mantle

Distribution

Temperate regions of the whole world except East Asia and Australia (introduced around Melbourne), with relatively mild winters

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/164057/120125670

Conservation

LC - least concern

J. R. Timberlake, E. S. Martins (2012). Flora Zambesiaca, Vol 12 (part 1) Araceae. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Morphology Leaves

Frond ovate, 1.5–2 times as long as wide, 1–8(10) × 0.6–5(7) mm, usually tinged reddish or with reddish spots

Morphology Roots

Root often exceeding 3 cm; root sheath not winged, root tip mostly rounded

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescence produced occasionally

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Pistil

Pistil with 1 amphitropous ovule, style 0.1–0.15 mm long

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Fruits rarely produced, 0.8–1 mm in diameter, with 1 seed

Morphology Reproductive morphology Seeds

Seeds 0.7–1 × 0.4–0.6 mm, with 10–16 ribs, remaining within fruit at maturity.

Distribution

Mozambique. Also found in North America, Europe, Africa and W Asia, introduced into S Australia and New Zealand; possibly native to southern Africa.

Ecology

In a wide range of aquatic habitats, often in somewhat eutrophic waters; c.50 m.

Conservation

Not threatened, but within the Flora area known only from one locality.