Duckweed

Duckweed, or DUCK-MEAT (Lemna), is the type of Lemnaceæ, a small order of very degenerate monocotyledons, probably allied to Araceæ. They are chiefly floating plants, mere flat green fronds, with roots hanging loosely in the water, and unisexual flowers—destitute of calyx and corolla— bursting through a membranous spathe in their margin. The Lemnaceæ are distributed throughout all parts of the world. Several species of duckweed are British, and cover the surface of stagnant ponds with green vegetation. Their flowers and fruits are rarely to be seen, but they spread rapidly by budding from their margins.