Answer
Watermeal. (Wolffia spp.)
Watermeal (Wolffia spp.) is a member of the duckweed family (Lemnaceae), a family that contains some of the simplest flowering plants. There are various species of the genus Wolffia worldwide, all very small.
The plant itself averages 1/42” long and 1/85” wide or about the size of one candy sprinkle. It can weigh about 1/190,000 of an ounce, equivalent to two grains of table salt. They are very hard to see! Imagine if you tried to fill a thimble with them, it is estimated that you would need some 5000 plants!
Each Wolffia flower consists of a single pistil and stamen; it also produces the world’s smallest fruit, called a utricle. The plant is found in quiet freshwater lakes or marshes with species worldwide. Since the plants have no roots, they can easily float on the surface of the water, where they resemble cornmeal. Water-meal is sometimes used in cold-water aquaria since it is easy to propagate.
Published: 11/19/2019. Author: Science Reference Section, Library of Congress
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Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
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Watermeal (Wolffia spp.):
- Watermeal belongs to the duckweed family, Lemnaceae, which comprises some of the simplest flowering plants.
- The genus Wolffia encompasses various species of Watermeal, all remarkably small in size.
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Size and Weight:
- The average size of a Watermeal plant is 1/42” long and 1/85” wide, akin to the dimensions of a single candy sprinkle.
- Despite its minuscule size, a Watermeal plant can weigh about 1/190,000 of an ounce, equivalent to two grains of table salt.
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Visibility and Quantity:
- Watermeal plants are incredibly hard to see due to their diminutive size.
- To visualize their abundance, imagine attempting to fill a thimble with Watermeal – it's estimated that you would need around 5000 plants.
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Reproductive Structures:
- Each Wolffia flower consists of a single pistil and stamen, highlighting the simplicity of its reproductive organs.
- The plant produces the world's smallest fruit, known as a utricle.
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Habitat:
- Watermeal is found in quiet freshwater lakes or marshes across the globe.
- The absence of roots allows these plants to effortlessly float on the water's surface, resembling cornmeal.
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Utility:
- Watermeal is sometimes employed in cold-water aquaria due to its ease of propagation.
The article, dated November 19, 2019, is authored by the Science Reference Section at the Library of Congress, adding credibility to the information provided. For those intrigued by the wonders of botany, this glimpse into the world of Watermeal showcases the marvels of nature in its most unassuming forms. If you have any further questions or seek more in-depth knowledge, feel free to ask a science librarian at the Library of Congress, where experts continually explore and share the mysteries of the natural world.
