Landoltia punctata

Description

Landoltia punctata, or dotted duckweed, is a common aquatic plant that resembles Lemna minor but can be distinguished by its multiple roots (2-7) per frond, whereas Lemna species have only one root per frond. The underside of Landoltia fronds is often reddish, while Lemna species' undersides are usually green. This plant has tufts of several roots and a reddish underside, similar to Spirodela species like greater duckweed, but with fewer roots (2-7) and smaller, oval-shaped fronds. Originally native to the southern hemisphere, Landoltia punctata is now introduced in warm regions worldwide and can thrive in nutrient-rich stagnant or slow-flowing water. It can survive dryness as seeds in arid regions. However, it is susceptible to heavy frost and does not grow in areas with temperatures below -20°C (-4 °F).