Duckweed (Lemna spec.)

Where?

Duckweed grows on sunny, stagnant to slow-flowing and nutrient-rich (eutrophic) to polluted (hypertrophic) waters.

Appearance?

Free floating plant on the water or just below the water surface, with one or more small green leaves, with diameters of 3-6 mm. A short root filament grows into the water, for mineral absorption. 

Special Features?

Gibbous duckweed (Lemna gibba), common duckweed (Lemna minor) and least duckweed (Lemna minuta) are difficult to distinguish from each other and often occur together. Duckweed often covers entire bodies of water, which prevents submerged plants from growing and can also affect water temperature.