Plant Profile: Lemna minor

Despite its brief lifespan, 'Common Duckweed' proliferates swiftly. It typically floats on the water's surface, with its edges oriented upward. As one of the tiniest flowering plants, it creates a dense, carpet-like layer. Each individual plant features a single, flat leaf that drifts atop still bodies of water, such as ponds and lakes.

The flower's pistil secretes a sticky substance that attracts various insects, including flies, mites, spiders, and bees. This interaction facilitates the plant's pollination process.

While some view its rapid spread as invasive, there are notable advantages. Harvesting duckweed can help manage waterways that are overloaded with phosphorus and nitrogen from agricultural runoff, effectively aiding in the removal of these pollutants.

Insects, diseases, and other plant-related issues: Its tendency to spread can indeed lead to invasive behavior.