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Lemna gibba L.

Lemna gibba L. is a small, free-floating aquatic plant known for its rapid growth and simple structure. It is a key component of freshwater ecosystems and is used in research and water treatment.

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Lemna gibba L.
  • Common Name: Gibbous duckweed

Quick Facts

  • Origin: From temperate and tropical freshwater habitats
  • Features: Tiny, oval fronds and swift clonal reproduction distinguish it in natural and managed aquatic systems

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Lemnoideae
  • Botanical Background: Described by Carl Linnaeus and has since been the subject of studies that highlight its simplicity and ecological importance in aquatic environments.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Native to a wide range of regions; found in freshwater bodies across temperate and tropical zones globally.
  • Environment: Thrives in calm, nutrient-rich waters with moderate temperatures. Favors areas with high light availability and stable water conditions, making it common in ponds, ditches, and slow-moving streams.

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Small, oval-shaped fronds that are green and slightly convex

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Flowering is rare in natural conditions due to its rapid asexual reproduction
  • Flowers are inconspicuous and short-lived

Growth Habit

  • Entirely aquatic, free-floating species
  • Propagates primarily through budding, forming dense mats on the water surface

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Grows best in bright, indirect sunlight
  • Can tolerate full sun in many natural conditions

Watering & Humidity

  • Requires a consistently waterlogged environment with good water quality and minimal pollutants

Soil & Potting Mix

  • Not applicable in traditional soil
  • Tpically maintained in water or specialized aquatic plant media

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Prefers moderate water temperatures between 15 °C and 30 °C
  • Occasional supplementation with diluted aquatic fertilizers

Propagation Methods

Division and Cuttings

  • Reproduces mainly by vegetative division. Individual fronds detach and form new colonies, making it simple to propagate


Seeds

  • Sexual reproduction is uncommon; seeds are rarely produced and are not typically used for propagation

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Can be affected by algae overgrowth and occasional waterborne pathogens

Treatment Recommendations

  • Improving water circulation and periodic water changes
  • For severe cases, biological controls or gentle organic treatments can be considered

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Rapid clonal expansion makes it useful for bioremediation and wastewater treatment
  • Plays an important role in providing habitat and food for aquatic invertebrates
  • Delicate, unobtrusive appearance in aquariums and water gardens
  • Used as a model organism in scientific studies

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Widely distributed and not currently subject to significant conservation concerns

Market Availability

  • Commonly available from aquatic plant suppliers
  • Frequently used in research and hobbyist aquatic setups

References & Resources

Further Reading

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