rootless duckweed
Wolffia arrhiza · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Rootless duckweed, scientifically known as Wolffia arrhiza, is one of the world's smallest flowering plants. These tiny, floating aquatic organisms thrive in freshwater ecosystems, providing vital nutrients. Renowned for their high protein content, they serve as a sustainable superfood and a crucial component in traditional medicinal practices worldwide.
Names
Common Names
- rootless duckweed
- spotless water flaxseed
- spotless watermeal
Regional and Traditional Names
German:
- Wurzellose Zwergwasserlinse
- Zwergwasserlinsen
- Zwergwasserlinse
- Wurzellose Zwerglinse
- Wurzellose Wasserlinse
- wurzellose Zwergwasserlinse
- Entenlinse
- Zwergwasserlinse
French:
- lentille deau sans racines
- Wolffia sans Racines
- Wollfie
- lentille d'eau sans racines
- wolffia sans racines
- wolffie sans racines
- Wollfie
- Lentille d'eau naine
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Wolffia arrhizaSynonyms
- Horkelia arrhiza
- Lenticula arrhiza
- Lemna arrhiza
- Bruniera vivipara
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized into the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Alismatales, falling under the family Araceae. Ultimately, the species is identified by the genus Wolffia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Alismatales | WCVP |
| Family | Araceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Wolffia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution primarily concentrated across various regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, its presence has been documented within Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species can be found inhabiting the landscapes of Austria and Belgium. Additionally, it extends its range through the territories of Czechia-Slovakia. Finally, the distribution continues through Germany, completing its documented European range.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Poland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
Chemicals
Wolffia arrhiza has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CATALASE, Peroxidase.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| CATALASE | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Peroxidase | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
CATALASE
- Izvestiia Akademii nauk. Seriia biologicheskaia
Peroxidase
- Izvestiia Akademii nauk. Seriia biologicheskaia
Medicinal Uses
Wolffia arrhiza has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include salt stress.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| salt stress | Izvestiia Akademii nauk. Seriia biologicheskaia (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |