Smallest species in the Lemna genus. Fronds (leaf-like) almost translucent, thicker toward the center with a visible central vein, and usually found individually or in clusters of 2.
Free-floating aquatic plant; roots to 3/4 inch long; fronds (consist of part stem and part leaf blade) are tiny, oval or flat to convex, marked with spots, often solitary or groups of 2 connected by small, white stems; unisex flowers; rarely flowering.
Habitat
Found in slow moving water.
Flower Characteristics
Unisex, with 2 minute reproductive pouches, each containing 1 pistil (female organ) and 2 staminate (male organ) flowers. Plants rarely flowering.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Roots to 3/4 inch long, rounded to pointed tip. Fronds (leaf-like) consist of stem and leaf blade, tiny, floating, inverted egg-like, 1/16 to 1/4 inch, flat to convex or thickish, green and marked with spots, never reddish, 1 vein.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Follicles (dry many-seeded fruit opening along 1 side only) to 1/16 inch long, not winged.
With 12 to 15 distinct ribs.