Wolffia globosa

Wolffia globosa is a species of flowering plant known by the common names Asian watermeal and duckweed. It is native to Asia and is found in parts of the Americas and Africa, where it is an introduced species. It grows in mats on the surface of calm, freshwater bodies, such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. It is a very tiny, oval-shaped plant with no leaves, stems, or roots. The body of the plant, a transparent green frond, is less than a millimeter wide. In one human experiment, processed W. globosa was reported to provide dietary protein and vitamin B12. Wolffia globosa has been described as the world's smallest flowering plant, at 0.1–0.2 mm (0.004–0.008 in) in diameter. Known in Thai as Pham (ผํา), it is a popular item in Thai cuisine, especially in Isan.

Description

A very small herb. It floats on water. The fronds are free floating. They are green on the upper surface and transparent green underneath. The plant body is 0.6 mm long. It is one of the smallest flowering plants of the world.

Edible Uses

The leaves are edible cooked and have an excellent flavour described as somewhat like sweet cabbage. They are highly nutritious, containing approximately 20% protein, 44% carbohydrate, and 5% fat, and are rich in vitamins A, B2, B6, C, and nicotinic acid.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are cooked in curries with minced pork or chicken.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a family where most of the members contain calcium oxalate crystals. This substance is toxic fresh and, if eaten, makes the mouth, tongue and throat feel as if hundreds of small needles are digging in to them. However, calcium oxalate is easily broken down either by thoroughly cooking the plant or by fully drying it and, in either of these states, it is safe to eat the plant. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones and hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet.

Distribution

A tropical and subtropical plant. They grow in lakes, pools and ditches in warm or tropical regions. It grows in wetlands. It grows in full sun.

Where It Grows

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, South America, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, Vietnam,

Cultivation

A pond plant, it requires a sunny position in still water that is rich in nitrates and lime. It over-winters in temperate areas by means of resting buds which sink to the bottom of the pond in the late autumn and rise again in the spring. Reports for the uses of this plant are often wrongly cited under Wolffia arrhiza.

Propagation

No specific propagation information is available for this species, but as it spreads rapidly by division it requires no additional assistance once established in a pond.

Other Uses

Wolffia globosa is used in aquaculture systems as a high-protein food source for fish and other aquatic animals, and can help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients. It provides a food source for aquatic organisms and can contribute to habitat structure in aquatic environments. It can also serve as a substrate for small aquatic invertebrates, providing some shelter in water bodies.

Production

Each plant can produce 12 daughter plants during its 1-2 month lifecycle. These multiply at a very fast rate.

Other Information

It is cultivated in ponds and sold in markets.

Notes

There are 11 Wolffia species. They can be 40% protein on a dry weight. It is also rich in vitamins. Also in the family Lemnaceae.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Asian watermeal, Khai nae, Khai-nam, Kipum, Mijinko-uki-kusa, Panidala, Pham, Phum, Tropical watermeal, Wu gen ping, Ye-u

References (17)

• Arora, R. K., 2014, Diversity in Underutilized Plant Species - An Asia-Pacific Perspective. Bioversity International. p 47
• Blumea 18:367. 1970
• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 140
• Flora of Pakistan. www.eFloras.org
• Japanese International Research Centre for Agricultural Science www.jircas.affrc.go.jp/project/value_addition/Vegetables

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