Lemna minor

Lemna minor, commonly known as common duckweed, is a small aquatic plant that floats on the surface of ponds and lakes. It consists of tiny, green, leaf-like structures called fronds and no roots or very minimal roots that hang into the water. Lemna minor reproduces quickly through — mainly — asexual division, forming dense mats that cover water surfaces. It plays an important role in ecosystems by providing food for aquatic animals, improving water quality through nutrient absorption, and offering habitat for microbes. Its rapid growth makes it valuable for wastewater treatment and as a potential food source for humans and animals.