Duckweed

Lemna aequinoctialis, commonly known as lesser duckweed, is a species in the Araceae family. It is widely distributed in the Americas, Europe, and parts of Asia and Africa. The plant has small, green, triple-nerved fronds that are 1-6.5 mm long and 0.8-4.5 mm wide. A single papule is usually present on the upper surface above the node. The root sheath has a wing 1-2.5 times as long as it is wide. The infructescence includes a fruit 0.5-0.8 mm long, with a short style and a seed that has a thick, ribbed outer coat. The seeds fall out of the fruit after ripening. This species is often found in still water environments, including lagoons and ponds, and is adapted to seasonal flooding.