The humble 'Duckweed', thriving here in the Forest Gallery pond, is a mighty plant in a small package. It's flowers are the smallest in the world but it is recorded as the world's fastest growing plant. Also known as Water Lentils it is an important food source for ducks and other water fowl containing more protein than Soy Beans. In return for a good feed the water birds help it to colonise new water bodies by carrying it on their plumage. Duckweed is also good cover for fish and frogs, it removes excess nitrogen and phosphates from the water and a good matt of the stuff prevents mosquito breeding. After a busy Spring Summer period it will die back for the cooler months.
Mass of floating Duckweed. Photographer: Andrew Kuhlmann Source: Museum Victoria
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