Common duckweed (Lemna minor) is a small, aquatic plant that is native to almost every continent in the world. It grows in ponds, lakes, and other slow-moving bodies of water, and is often mistaken for algae. The plant consists of two small leaves (known as fronds) that float on the surface of the water. Common duckweed is sometimes referred to as “water lens” because it has the ability to form a thin film of water that can magnify objects beneath it.
How Common Duckweed Reproduces
Common duckweed reproduces quickly and efficiently, usually by budding. When the plant produces buds, the buds detach from the parent plant and float away. They are capable of growing into full-sized plants on their own. Common duckweed can also reproduce through asexual means, which means that one plant can produce a clone of itself without the need for sexual reproduction.
Beneficial Uses of Common Duckweed
Common duckweed has a number of beneficial uses. It is an excellent source of food for waterfowl, fish, and other aquatic animals. It is also used to help filter and clean bodies of water, as it absorbs excess nutrients from the water and helps keep the water clean. Common duckweed is also used as a natural fertilizer, as it releases nutrients into the soil when it decomposes.
UW Extension and Common Duckweed
The University of Wisconsin Extension is an organization that works to provide resources and research to Wisconsin citizens. The extension works to develop educational programs and materials that help Wisconsin citizens better understand the importance of natural resources and how to use them responsibly. The UW Extension also works to promote the safe use of common duckweed and other aquatic plants, as well as to help educate citizens on the benefits of using common duckweed for water filtration and natural fertilizer.
How to Control Common Duckweed
Common duckweed can quickly become a nuisance in ponds and other bodies of water. The UW Extension recommends a few methods for controlling the growth of common duckweed. These include:
- Releasing grass carp into the water, as they eat duckweed
- Manually removing the duckweed from the water
- Reducing the amount of nutrients in the water, as this can limit the growth of duckweed
- Adding floating plants to the water, as they can help shade out the duckweed and prevent it from receiving sunlight
Conclusion
Common duckweed is a small, aquatic plant that is native to many parts of the world. It is used to help filter and clean bodies of water, as well as to provide food for aquatic animals. The UW Extension works to promote the safe use of common duckweed and to help educate citizens on the benefits of using it for water filtration and natural fertilizer. If common duckweed becomes a nuisance in bodies of water, the UW Extension recommends a few methods for controlling its growth.