Contents
Description
Lemna Perpusilla, also known as the small duckweed, is a free-floating aquatic plant that belongs to the duckweed family. It is a tiny plant with a size of 1-5 mm and is often found in slow-moving or still water bodies like ponds, lakes, and streams. This plant is an important part of the aquatic ecosystem as it provides shelter and food to a wide variety of aquatic organisms.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Lemna |
Appearance
Lemna Perpusilla is a tiny green plant with a flattened oval-shaped body that is about 1-5 mm long. It has no roots and floats on the surface of the water. The leaves are bright green and are arranged in a rosette pattern. The plant has a single root-like structure known as a rootlet that hangs below the rosette of leaves. The rootlet is used to anchor the plant to the bottom of the water body.
Care Guide
Water: Lemna Perpusilla requires clean, still or slow-moving water to thrive. It is sensitive to pollutants and requires regular water changes.
Fertilization: These plants do not need fertilizers as they obtain all their nutrients from the water and surrounding environment.
Soil: As a free-floating plant, Lemna Perpusilla does not require any soil. It obtains all its nutrients from the water and surrounding environment.
Sunlight: This plant prefers full sunlight, but it can also grow in partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lemna Perpusilla is not very susceptible to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by algae growth, which can reduce its growth and overall health. Additionally, this plant can be affected by pollutants and changes in water quality.
Habitat
Lemna Perpusilla is native to North America and is found in slow-moving or still water bodies like ponds, lakes, and streams. It is an important part of the aquatic ecosystem as it provides shelter and food to a wide variety of aquatic organisms.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does Lemna Perpusilla grow?
A: Under optimal conditions, Lemna Perpusilla can double its population every 2-3 days.Q: Can Lemna Perpusilla be used as a natural water purifier?
A: Yes, Lemna Perpusilla can be used as a natural water purifier as it absorbs pollutants and excess nutrients from the water.Q: Can Lemna Perpusilla survive in cold water?
A: Yes, Lemna Perpusilla can survive in cold water as it is hardy in USDA zones 5-11.Q: Is Lemna Perpusilla toxic to fish?
A: No, Lemna Perpusilla is not toxic to fish and is actually a source of food for many aquatic organisms.
Related Plants
- Lemna Minor
- Lemna Gibba
- Lemna Trisulca
References
- USDA: Plants Profile, Lemna Perpusilla – https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LEPE
- Aquaplant: Small Duckweed – https://aquaplant.tamu.edu/plant-identification/alphabetical-index/small-duckweed/
- Encyclopedia of Life: Lemna Perpusilla – https://eol.org/pages/1118384
