Great Duckweed, Common duckmeat

Spirodela polyrrhiza

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.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, south and east from Scandanavia to N. Africa and Asia. America, Australia

Habitats

Pond;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: The plant is sometimes used as a food[177, 183]. No more details are given.

Medicinal Uses

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].

Known Hazards

None known