Lemna disperma
Common Duckweed
Leaf-like elliptic to rounded herb, 1-4mm long, with single root, floating on water. Body is slightly swollen, green above, reddish below, with 3-5 veins all rising from the same point. Single plants can join to form colonies.
Additional information
- SynonymSeparated from Lemna minor, an introduced plant.
- FamilyAraceae (syn. Lemnaceae)
- StoreyLower storey
- Sizeplants 1-4 mm long
- Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
- Flower colourWhite
- Flowering timeSpring
- FlowersMinute flowers on the margin, 1 male, 2 female. Young plants emerge from a pocket on the margin.
- Bird attractingLeaves
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsAquatic in still water.
- Garden useQuick growing to form colonies on ponds and dams. Provide hiding places for fish.
- Commercially availableNever
- Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites.
- Related speciesThe weed species L. minor is less common. It is flat and has only 3 veins. If there are ever more then the outer veins branch from the inner veins. It grows 1-8 mm long.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 2 (with Wolffia) Murray Fagg © Australian National Botanic Garden; 3 Marilyn Bull ©
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