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Description
Wolffia Columbiana, also known as Columbian water-meal or tiny duckweed, is the world’s smallest flowering plant. It belongs to the family Lemnaceae and is native to North and South America. This aquatic plant is often found floating in still or slow-moving freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and streams.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Lemnaceae |
| Genus | Wolffia |
Appearance
Wolffia Columbiana is a tiny, oval-shaped plant that measures only 0.7 to 1.5 mm in length and 0.5 to 1.2 mm in width. It has no leaves, stems, or roots, but instead, it has a flattened, greenish thallus that floats on the surface of the water. The plant’s flowers are also extremely small, measuring only 0.3 to 0.5 mm in diameter and are often hidden beneath the thallus.
Care Guide
Wolffia Columbiana requires very little care as it is a simple aquatic plant. Here are some basic care guidelines:
Water: This plant requires clean, still or slow-moving freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and streams.
Fertilization: Wolffia Columbiana does not require fertilization.
Soil: This plant does not require soil as it floats on the surface of the water.
Sunlight: Wolffia Columbiana requires full sunlight to grow properly.
Hardiness Zones: This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in zones 4-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Wolffia Columbiana is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by aquatic insects, snails, and mites. These pests can be controlled by introducing natural predators such as fish or by using insecticides specifically designed for aquatic plants.
Habitat
Wolffia Columbiana is native to North and South America and can be found in still or slow-moving freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and streams. It prefers full sunlight and is often found floating on the surface of the water.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Wolffia Columbiana 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 there is enough sunlight.
Q: Is Wolffia Columbiana an invasive species?
A: No, it is not considered an invasive species as it does not spread rapidly and does not pose a threat to native plants or animals.
Q: How fast does Wolffia Columbiana grow?
A: It can double its population in as little as 24 hours, making it one of the fastest-growing plants in the world.
Q: Can Wolffia Columbiana be used for phytoremediation?
A: Yes, it can be used for phytoremediation as it is capable of removing pollutants such as heavy metals and organic compounds from water.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Wolffia Columbiana:
- Wolffia borealis
- Wolffia angusta
- Wolffia arrhiza
- Wolffia brasiliensis
- Wolffia columbiana
References
- http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200023554
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0044848613001733
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12263-016-0524-4
