Contents
Description
Lemna Trisulca, commonly known as Ivy-leaved Duckweed or Star Duckweed, is a small floating aquatic plant belonging to the family Araceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to other parts of the world.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Genus: | Lemna |
Appearance
Lemna Trisulca has small, oval-shaped leaves that are about 1-3mm long and 1-2mm wide. The leaves have a distinct midrib and two lateral veins that give them a “trisulcate” appearance. The plant produces small, white flowers that are inconspicuous and rarely seen. It can form dense mats on the surface of slow-moving or still water bodies, and can grow up to 5cm in diameter.
Care Guide
Water: Lemna Trisulca requires still or slow-moving water to grow. It can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, but prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-8.5).
Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but can benefit from occasional doses of liquid fertilizer.
Soil: Since it is a floating plant, Lemna Trisulca does not require soil to grow.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, but can tolerate some shade.
Hardiness Zones: Lemna Trisulca can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lemna Trisulca is generally free from pests and diseases, but can be affected by fungal infections and rot if the water conditions are poor or the plant is overcrowded.
Habitat
Lemna Trisulca is commonly found in freshwater ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It can also be found in rice paddies and other agricultural water bodies. It prefers calm waters with little to no disturbance.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lemna Trisulca be grown in an aquarium?
A: Yes, it can be grown in an aquarium as long as the water is still or slow-moving and the plant has access to sufficient sunlight.
Q: Is Lemna Trisulca edible?
A: Yes, it is edible and is consumed in some parts of the world as a vegetable or salad ingredient.
Q: Is Lemna Trisulca invasive?
A: It can be invasive in some areas and can form dense mats that can reduce oxygen levels and harm aquatic life.
Q: Can Lemna Trisulca be used for wastewater treatment?
A: Yes, it can be used for wastewater treatment as it can absorb nutrients and pollutants from the water.
Related Plants
- Lemna minor
- Lemna gibba
- Lemna turionifera
References
- https://www.watergardenplants.co.uk/lemna-trisulca-ivy-leaved-duckweed.html
- https://www.fishpondinfo.com/plants/duckw.htm
- https://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/lemna-trisulca
- https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/112814
