4-12, Lemnaceae, duckweed family

Abstract

A small family including only 30 species, they are arranged within six genera.  Tiny in stature, rarely do they exceed 10mm in length. All are aquatic and generally floating. They are distinctive in having a thallus, an undifferentiated vegetative body reproducing by budding. There may be one or more simple roots. Flowers are usually absent, if present they are highly reduced. Image use provided by Ross Hall and Martin Thomas.