Contents
Description
Spirodela Polyrhiza, commonly known as Greater Duckweed, is a floating aquatic plant that belongs to the Lemnaceae family. It is a small, free-floating plant that is native to the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is one of the smallest flowering plants in the world, with leaves that are less than 5 mm in size. Spirodela Polyrhiza is usually found in still or slow-moving freshwater habitats such as ponds, ditches, and lakes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Lemnaceae |
| Genus | Spirodela |
Appearance
Spirodela Polyrhiza has a small, oval-shaped, and flattened body that floats on the water surface. It has one to three leaves that are green and glossy on the upper surface and purple on the lower surface. The leaves are smaller than 5 mm in size, and they have a single root that hangs below the plant body. The plant body is covered in a mucilaginous coating that protects it from desiccation.
Care Guide
Spirodela Polyrhiza is an easy-to-care-for plant. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:
Water: Spirodela Polyrhiza requires clean and still freshwater to grow. Change the water frequently to avoid the buildup of algae and other contaminants.
Fertilization: Spirodela Polyrhiza does not require fertilization. However, you can add a small amount of liquid fertilizer to the water to promote growth.
Soil: Spirodela Polyrhiza does not require soil. It is a floating aquatic plant that derives its nutrients from the water.
Sunlight: Spirodela Polyrhiza requires full or partial sunlight to grow. Place the plant in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Spirodela Polyrhiza can survive in hardiness zones 5-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Spirodela Polyrhiza is relatively pest and disease-free. However, some common pests that can affect it include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Spirodela Polyrhiza is native to the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is usually found in still or slow-moving freshwater habitats such as ponds, ditches, and lakes. It is a common plant in wetlands and marshes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Spirodela Polyrhiza be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Spirodela Polyrhiza can be grown indoors in a container with clean and still freshwater. Ensure that the plant receives adequate sunlight and nutrients.
Q: How fast does Spirodela Polyrhiza grow?
A: Spirodela Polyrhiza can grow rapidly under the right conditions. It can double its size in just a few days.
Q: What is the ideal water temperature for Spirodela Polyrhiza?
A: The ideal water temperature for Spirodela Polyrhiza is between 20-30°C.
Q: Can Spirodela Polyrhiza be used as a bioindicator?
A: Yes, Spirodela Polyrhiza can be used as a bioindicator of water pollution. Its growth rate and color can be used to determine the quality of the water it is growing in.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Spirodela Polyrhiza:
- Lemna minor
- Lemna gibba
- Lemna trisulca
- Wolffia arrhiza
- Wolffia globosa
References
- Balan, K., & Baskaran, R. (2017). Spirodela polyrhiza: A review on its phytochemistry and pharmacological profile. Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research, 5(3), 170-175.
- Landolt, E. (1986). Biosystematic investigations in the family of duckweeds (Lemnaceae). Vol. 1. The family of Lemnaceae – a monographic study (Vol. 1). Veröffentlichungen des Geobotanischen Institutes der Eidg. Techn. Hochschule, Stiftung Rübel, ETH, Zürich.
- Les, D. H., & Crawford, D. J. (1999). Landoltia (Lemnaceae), a new genus of duckweeds. Novon, 9(4), 530-533.
