Least Duckweed, Spotless watermeal

Wolffia arrhiza

Physical Characteristics

Wolffia arrhiza is an evergreen Perennial. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower all year, and the seeds ripen all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, to Asia.

Habitats

Pond;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked. An excellent flavour, they taste somewhat like a sweet cabbage[183]. The leaves are very nutritious, containing about 20% protein, 44% carbohydrate. 5% fat and are rich in vitamins A, B2, B6, C and nicotinic acid[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known