Spirodela polyrrhiza Great Duckweed, Common duckmeat PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Taxonomic Note: This genus was formerly classified in the family Lemnaceae. Modern classifications include it within the Araceae.

Physical Characteristics

Spirodela polyrrhiza is a PERENNIAL at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in July. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Lemna polyrhiza

Plant Habitats

Pond;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses:

The plant is sometimes used as a food[177, 183]. No more details are given.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antipruritic Antipyretic Cardiotonic Carminative Diaphoretic Diuretic

The whole plant is antipruritic, antipyretic, cardiotonic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic[147, 176, 218]. It stimulates the appearance of measles rash[147, 176]. It is used in the treatment of colds, measles, oedema and difficulty in urination[176].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a sunny position in still water that is rich in nitrates and lime[200]. A very small plant without differentiation into various parts such as leaf, stem etc (they are called Thalli), it is 8mm in diameter and often forming a mat on the water surface and perennating by means of buds (turions) that sink in autumn and rise to the surface in spring. The so-called rootcap (really only an apical swelling), has a higher specific gravity than any other part of the plant, righting capsized individuals[200]. The plant rarely flowers, spreading mainly by vegetative means[270].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

The plant divides freely in the growing season and does not need help.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

Coming Soon

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

(L.)Schleid.

Botanical References

17200270

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Spirodela polyrrhiza - (L.)Schleid.