The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.
Common Name: Least Duckweed
Wolffia arrhiza is a Evergreen Perennial up to 0.01 metres tall.
It has edible uses.
Europe, including Britain, to Asia.
Floating on quiet waters[
]. A rare native of southern Britain, growing in still waters[
A pond plant, floating on the surface of the water, it requires a sunny position in still water that is rich in nitrates and lime[
At the limit of its climatic range in Britain and probably best grown in a cold water aquarium[
]. It over-winters in temperate areas by means of resting buds which sink to the bottom of the pond in the late autumn and rise again in the spring[
One of the smallest flowering plants in the world, it is cultivated as a vegetable in Burma, Laos and Thailand[
]. It has been recommended for commercial cultivation, especially in tropical areas, because of its rapid multiplication and high nutritional value[
]. Plant densities of over two million plants per square metre have been found[
Leaves - cooked. An excellent flavour, they taste somewhat like a sweet cabbage[
]. 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[
Seed - we have no information on this species but, since it can spread rapidly by division, it really needs no extra help once it is in a pond.