The Smallest Plant in the World: Wolffia globosa
The smallest plant in the world is Wolffia globosa, a species of watermeal (also known as duckweed) from the genus Wolffia in the Lemnaceae family.
This tiny aquatic flowering plant measures just 0.1–0.2 mm (0.004–0.008 inches) in diameter, smaller than a grain of rice, making it the smallest known flowering plant.
Wolffia globosa has no roots, leaves, or stems; its body is a simple, oval-shaped, transparent green frond that floats on the surface of freshwater lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers worldwide. It reproduces both vegetatively by budding and rarely by producing the world's smallest fruits and flowers, which are barely visible even under a microscope.
Despite its minuscule size, Wolffia species are nutrient-rich, containing high levels of protein, vitamins (including B12), and minerals. They have potential as a superfood, animal feed, or even in wastewater treatment due to their rapid growth and ability to absorb pollutants. In some cultures, like Thailand (where it's called "pham"), it's consumed by humans
Komentar
Posting Komentar