| Spirodela polyrrhiza | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Subfamily: | Lemnoideae |
| Genus: | Spirodela |
| Species: | S. polyrrhiza |
| Binomial name | |
| Spirodela polyrrhiza (L.) Schleid. |
|
Spirodela polyrrhiza (orth. var. S. polyrhiza) is a species of duckweed known by the common names greater duckweed, common duckweed, and duckmeal. It can be found nearly worldwide in many types of freshwater habitat. It is a perennial aquatic plant usually growing in dense colonies, forming a mat on the water surface. Each plant is a smooth, round, flat disc one half to one centimeter wide. It produces several minute roots. It also produces a pouch containing male and female flowers. The top part dies in the fall and the plant often overwinters as a turion.