Duckweed (Lemna minor)
Scientific Name: Lemna minor — Common Duckweed.
Native Home: Widely distributed across temperate and subtropical regions worldwide.
Height: Usually 1–5 mm above the water surface.
Lifespan: Perennial under suitable conditions, reproducing rapidly by budding.
Uses and Harvesting
Timber: Not applicable.
Harvesting: Floating fronds are skimmed from the water surface.
Age to Harvest: Approximately 1–3 weeks for substantial growth under favourable conditions.
Products: Research-grade biomass, wastewater-treatment systems, and potential animal-feed ingredients where approved.
History and Global Production
Traditional Use: Duckweed has been used in some regions as animal feed and studied for water purification.
Global Spread: Found worldwide in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving freshwater; commercially cultivated for research and biomass production.
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