Wolffia arrhiza
Wolffia arrhiza, commonly known as a species of watermeal, is among the world's smallest flowering plants. These tiny, floating aquatic organisms are highly nutritious, packed with proteins and essential minerals. Often studied for their rapid growth and potential as a sustainable superfood, they offer significant medicinal and nutritional value.
- Scientific name: Wolffia arrhiza
- Family: Araceae
- Native range: Europe
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 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catalase, peroxidase.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| catalase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| peroxidase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Wolffia arrhiza has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include salt stress.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| salt stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |