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Wolffia brasiliensis Wedd.

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Wolffia brasiliensis Wedd.
  • Common Name: Brazilian Watermeal

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Found in warm, nutrient-rich freshwater environments
  • Features: Noted for its incredibly small size and fast vegetative reproduction

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Wolffia
  • Botanical Background: First described by botanists including Weddell, this species has been a subject of study for aquatic plant specialists seeking to understand its minimalistic morphology and rapid growth.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Native to Brazil and parts of tropical South America, it is typically found in calm freshwater ecosystems.
  • Environment: Thrives in warm, still or slow-moving waters with high humidity and nutrient availability. It prefers environments with minimal disturbance and clear water conditions.

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Tiny, oval to rounded frond-like structures

  • Extremely reduced and nearly scale-like in appearance

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Produces tiny, simple flowers that are rarely visible

  • Flowers allow for occasional sexual reproduction in optimal conditions

Growth Habit

  • Fully aquatic and free-floating

  • Reproduces predominantly via rapid vegetative budding

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Prefers bright, indirect light

  • Avoid direct, intense sunlight that may cause overheating of water

Watering & Humidity

  • Requires clean, nutrient-rich freshwater

  • Moderate water movement supports healthy growth

Soil & Potting Mix

  • Not applicable — grows as a free-floating aquatic plant

  • Best cultivated in open water, aquaria, or shallow trays

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Thrives in warm, tropical-like conditions

  • Occasional diluted aquatic fertilizer can boost growth without disturbing the water balance

Propagation Methods

Division

  • Propagates efficiently through vegetative budding

  • New fronds form and detach from parent plants, expanding the colony

Stem Cuttings (if applicable)

  • Not applicable due to lack of stems and roots

Seeds

  • Rarely flowers or sets seed

  • Seed propagation is not typically used due to its infrequent occurrence

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Algal overgrowth due to nutrient imbalance or stagnant water

  • Occasional fungal infections in poorly maintained aquatic setups

Treatment Recommendations

  • Maintain clean water with regular changes and gentle filtration

  • Use low-impact, aquatic-safe treatments only if infections occur

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Renowned as one of the smallest flowering plants on Earth, capable of astonishingly fast vegetative reproduction
  • A favored subject in botanical research due to its simplicity and efficiency in biomass production

  • Adds visual interest to aquascapes and small-scale water gardens due to its floating, minimalist form

  • Often used in educational displays to demonstrate unique plant morphology and aquatic ecosystem dynamics

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • While not currently endangered, this species is sensitive to water pollution and habitat disruption, highlighting the need for ongoing conservation efforts

Market Availability

  • Available through specialized aquatic plant suppliers and research institutions
  • May be considered rare in mainstream horticultural markets outside of scientific or ecological contexts

References & Resources

Further Reading

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