Duckweed Info / Lemnaceae

Duckweed is the common name of the family Lemnaceae.

Here is a local pond I noticed that was covered in this scum. My interest was perked when I read about it in RoundRock Journal. It is interesting written journal of a couples experiences on some rural property they have purchased and visit from time to time. They describe their efforts to improve and experience nature.

My dog Molly and I drove out to this area to find the pond and take some pictures. We hiked up and down some loess gullies. And encountered one interesting water fall on the way there.


Here is some splashed up against a log. There are a large and small leaf of this plant
Click on photo to see a closeup view. These small leaves float on the water for they have air inside.

One type of duckweed called lesser duckweed has very small flowers. Being small they are carried by animals to other places.

Edit: A blog called Niches has a comment on duckweed. He says, "Koi are vegetarians, primarily, so they may be feasting on the duckweed." This may be why one pond without Koi has duckweed and another pond nearby with Koi does not have duckweed.

Below are some links about Duckweed.

The Charms of Duckweed


Botanical Facts


Duck Weed Control


Wikipedia article


Duck weed used as a bio cleaning agent


Aquaguide Duckweed and Watermeal Control


Aquatic Plant and Fish Habitat management