1. Organism Characteristics
Lemna minor L. (also known as common duckweed) is a small flowering aquatic macrophyte (a monocot) widely distributed in quiescent fresh water and estuaries ranging from tropical to temperate zones (Figure 8211:1).1 It is the most common species of the family Lemnaceae in the United States and many other parts of the world. It is morphologically simple, consisting of 1 to several fronds, each with 1 root. The frond size is approximately 2 to 4 mm and the root length is up to 50 mm. The plant is colonial (up to 8 fronds), multiplies sexually and asexually, and has a maximum growth rate far exceeding those of other flowering plants. Duckweed is a food for waterfowl and small animals, and provides food, shelter, and shade for fish and other aquatic organisms. It also serves as a habitat for various invertebrates.