Contents
Description
Wolffia Australiana, also known as Australian watermeal, is the smallest flowering plant in the world. This aquatic plant belongs to the duckweed family, and it is native to Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia. It is a free-floating plant that grows on the surface of still or slow-moving water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. Despite its tiny size, Wolffia Australiana plays an essential role in the ecosystem. It provides food and habitat for many aquatic animals, including insects, fish, and birds. Additionally, it helps to improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients from the water.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Wolffia |
Appearance
Wolffia Australiana is a tiny plant that measures only 0.6 to 1.2 millimeters in length and 0.5 to 1 millimeter in width. It has no stems or leaves, and its roots are reduced to simple thread-like structures that serve to anchor the plant to the water’s surface. The plant’s body is oval-shaped and flattened, with a dorsal depression that houses the reproductive organs. It is green in color and has a smooth, waxy surface that helps to repel water.
Care Guide
Wolffia Australiana is an easy plant to care for, and it requires minimal attention. Here are some care tips for this aquatic plant:
Water: Wolffia Australiana thrives in still or slow-moving water bodies with temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees Celsius. Ensure that the water is clean and free from pollutants.
Fertilization: This plant does not require any fertilization as it obtains its nutrients from the surrounding water.
Soil: Since this plant is free-floating, it does not require any soil to grow.
Sunlight: Wolffia Australiana prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate some shade.
Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Wolffia Australiana is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to infestations by algae and other aquatic plants. These can be controlled by manually removing them or by treating the water with an appropriate herbicide. Additionally, the plant may be affected by pollution and changes in water quality, which can cause stunted growth or death.
Habitat
Wolffia Australiana is found in still or slow-moving water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. It prefers freshwater habitats that are rich in nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. This plant is native to Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia, where it grows as a natural part of the ecosystem. It is also cultivated in some parts of the world for its ornamental value.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Wolffia Australiana be grown in an aquarium?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in an aquarium, provided that the water conditions are suitable.
Q: Is Wolffia Australiana edible?
A: Yes, this plant is edible and is consumed in some parts of the world as a source of protein.
Q: Is Wolffia Australiana an invasive species?
A: While this plant is not considered invasive, it can spread rapidly under certain conditions and may outcompete other aquatic plants.
Q: Can Wolffia Australiana survive in cold water?
A: No, this plant requires warm water temperatures and cannot survive in cold water.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants in the duckweed family that are related to Wolffia Australiana:
- Wolffia arrhiza
- Lemna minor
- Spirodela polyrhiza
- Lemna gibba
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolffia_australiana
- https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/54990-Wolffia-australiana
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/water-plants/duckweed/wolffia-plant-info.htm
