by DaySounds © 2013-15
Common Duckweed (Lemna minor)
to the possibility of getting giardia. It contains an average of 40-45% protein and about the
same percentage of starch by dry weight. If you are going to consume it, make sure the pond
is not downstream from possible water pollutant sources, such as mines or areas
spread with herbicides/pesticides. Duckweed is cultivated in some countries as a
food crop.
There are 3 main types of duckweed: Lemna minor (portrayed here), Spirodela polyrrhiza,
and Wolffia arrhiza. Next, you can find an easy way to differenciate them:
Lemna has only one "root" per frond--2 or 3 fronds can often be found "fused" together.
Spirodela's fronds are larger, have a dark red dot on the upper side, 4 or more veins, a
purple/dark red underside, and several "roots"per frond. Wolffia, on the other hand, has
no "roots," and has the shape and size of a salmon egg (it is green when healthy, but
yellow/orange when unhealthy or dead). Lemna and Spirodela's "roots" are submerged in
the water, without touching the bottom of the pond--unless it is very shallow.
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