Origin
Lemna cyclostasa, also known as Cyclostasa lemnoides, belongs to the family Lemnaceae. This aquatic plant is native to North America and is commonly found in freshwater habitats such as shallow ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as smooth duckweed or ringed duckweed due to its circular shape. It is also sometimes referred to as water lentil because of its resemblance to lentil seeds floating on the water surface.
Uses
Lemna cyclostasa is used in various applications. Its high protein content makes it an essential food source for aquatic animals such as fish, turtles, and birds. Additionally, it has been used in bioremediation of contaminated water bodies because of its ability to absorb excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.
General Appearance
The Lemna cyclostasa plant is small, measuring only a few millimeters in diameter. It floats on the water surface, with a flat, oval-shaped body that is slightly concave in the middle. The plant is green, but its color may vary depending on its location and exposure to sunlight. It has a root-like structure that hangs beneath the plant, which is used to absorb nutrients from the water.
Light Requirements
Lemna cyclostasa Ell. ex Schleid. typically requires full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. This plant can tolerate a wide range of light intensities, ranging from direct sunlight to shade. However, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Lemna cyclostasa Ell. ex Schleid. is a cold-hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 15°C to 25°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C can cause stress to the plant, hindering its growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Lemna cyclostasa Ell. ex Schleid. can grow in a variety of soils, including loamy, sandy, clayey, or silty soils. However, the plant requires ample amounts of nutrients to grow and thrive. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.5 to 7.5. It is recommended to add organic matter and fertilizers to the soil to improve the nutrient content. It is important to note that the plant can grow in both standing and flowing water, making it an ideal choice for aquaponics and hydroponics systems.
Cultivation Methods
Lemna cyclostasa Ell. ex Schleid., also known as giant duckweed, is a floating aquatic plant that is easy to cultivate. It can be grown in ponds, aquariums, and other bodies of water where there is sufficient sunlight.
The best way to propagate giant duckweed is by division. Simply take a small piece of the plant and place it in the water. It will quickly multiply and cover the surface of the water.
Watering Needs
Giant duckweed is a water plant, so it needs to be constantly submerged in water. Make sure the water it is in is clean and free of contaminants. The plant thrives in ponds and other bodies of still water with low levels of pollutants.
The plant also needs adequate sunlight in order to photosynthesize and grow. Ideally, it should be exposed to full sunlight for at least six hours a day.
Fertilization
Though giant duckweed can thrive without much fertilizer, it will benefit from the occasional addition of nutrients. It is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium. Liquid fertilizers can also be added to the water but must be diluted before application.
Avoid using fertilizers that contain high levels of nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive growth that causes the plant to cover too much area and block sunlight from reaching other aquatic organisms.
Pruning
Giant duckweed requires minimal pruning but it is important to remove any dead or damaged leaves that are no longer contributing to the plant's growth. This can be done by gently pulling the leaves off the surface of the water or using a pair of scissors to trim them from the stem.
It is recommended to periodically thin out the plant to prevent overgrowth and overcrowding. Remove any excess plants from the water and compost or discard them properly.
Propagation of Lemna cyclostasa Ell. ex Schleid.
Lemna cyclostasa Ell. ex Schleid., commonly known as "swollen duckweed," is a small aquatic plant that reproduces asexually. There are two primary methods of propagation for this plant: vegetative reproduction and division.
Vegetative Reproduction
Vegetative reproduction is the most common method of propagating Lemna cyclostasa. This involves producing new plants from parts of the parent plant without sexual reproduction. In the case of Lemna cyclostasa, this is accomplished through fragmentation. When the plant becomes too large, the fronds naturally break apart, and each broken piece can grow into a new plant.
To propagate using vegetative reproduction, carefully separate individual plants or small colonies from the parent plant. These can be placed into new containers or ponds with fresh water.
Division
Division can also be used to propagate Lemna cyclostasa. This method requires separating the parent plant into smaller pieces, each with a portion of roots and fronds. The pieces are then planted in new containers or ponds with fresh water.
In both cases, the newly propagated plants must be placed in water with sufficient light and nutrients to grow and thrive.
Disease Management
Lemna cyclostasa Ell. ex Schleid. is susceptible to several fungal diseases, including root rot, rust, and leaf spot. Root rot is caused by various soil-borne fungi and leads to the wilting and death of the plant. Rust causes orange-brown spots on the leaves, and leaf spot causes circular brown lesions on leaves, leading to defoliation. These diseases can be managed by practicing good sanitation, maintaining proper watering and fertilization, and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides may also be applied as a preventive measure, but only when necessary and in the appropriate manner according to the label instructions.
Pest Management
Several pests may also infest Lemna cyclostasa Ell. ex Schleid., including aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Aphids suck sap from the leaves and excrete honeydew, which can attract other pests. Spider mites cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing, while caterpillars can defoliate the plant. These pests can be managed by regularly inspecting the plants for infestations, encouraging natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, and using insecticides only when necessary and in the appropriate manner according to the label instructions.
