Menu
Log in
site_logo

Wolffiella rotunda Landolt

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Wolffiella rotunda Landolt
  • Common Name: Round duckweed

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Native to temperate freshwater environments
  • Features: Minute, rounded fronds and rapid clonal growth

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Wolffiella
  • Botanical Background: Described by Landolt, this species has been the subject of various taxonomic revisions as botanists have deepened their understanding of aquatic plant evolution and phylogenetics

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Found in still or slow-moving freshwater systems, including ponds, marshes, and lakes in temperate regions
  • Environment: Thrives in nutrient-rich, calm waters where moderate sunlight and stable temperatures foster its rapid vegetative spread

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Very small
  • Circular leaves 
  • Smooth, glossy appearance 

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Due to its diminutive size, the inflorescence is highly reduced
  • Tiny, self-pollinating flowers that are not the plant’s primary attraction

Growth Habit

  • Floats freely on the water surface
  • Forming dense colonies through continuous vegetative budding

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, indirect light, similar to conditions found in natural freshwater habitats

Watering & Humidity

  • Requires a constant water environment with good circulation to avoid stagnation and ensure oxygenation

Soil & Potting Mix

  • No traditional substrate is needed
  • If cultivated in a pond or aquarium, a thin layer of sediment can provide additional nutrients

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Ideal water temperatures range from 15 to 25°C
  • Occasional diluted liquid fertilizer can support healthy growth, but over-fertilization should be avoided

Propagation Methods

Division and Cuttings

  • Primarily occurs through vegetative division, with new fronds budding from the parent plant, allowing rapid colony expansion


Seeds

  • Rare in this species and is not typically used as a propagation method

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Occasionally suffer from waterborne fungal infections in stagnant conditions

Treatment Recommendations

  • Maintaining water circulation and a balanced nutrient profile is key
  • Organic treatments and careful water quality management are recommended if issues arise

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Diminutive, rounded fronds and rapid growth make it a useful indicator of water quality
  • Its ability to quickly cover a water surface adds a natural, textured element to ponds and aquaria
  • Popular subject for studies on aquatic plant biology

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Not considered threatened and is commonly found in its natural freshwater habitats

Market Availability

  • Not considered threatened and is commonly found in its natural freshwater habitats

References & Resources

Further Reading

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software
Document