| Lemna minuta | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Subfamily: | Lemnoideae |
| Tribe: | Lemneae |
| 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. It is the smallest Lemna species.[1] 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.[2] In many areas it is a noxious weed, such as in Belgium.[3]
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.[3]