Survival Strategies of Duckweeds, the World's Smallest Angiosperms

Duckweeds (Lemnaceae) are small, simply constructed aquatic higher plants that grow on or just below the surface of quiet waters. They consist primarily of leaf-like assimilatory organs, or fronds, that reproduce mainly by vegetative replication. Despite their diminutive size and inornate habit, duckweeds have been able to colonize and maintain themselves in almost all of the world's climate zones. They are thereby subject to multiple adverse influences during the growing season, such as high temperatures, extremes of light intensity and pH, nutrient shortage, damage by microorganisms and herbivores, the presence of harmful substances in the water, and competition from other aquatic plants, and they must also be able to withstand winter cold and drought that can be lethal to the fronds. This review discusses the means by which duckweeds come to grips with these adverse influences to ensure their survival. Important duckweed attributes in this regard are a pronounced potential for rapid growth and frond replication, a juvenile developmental status facilitating adventitious organ formation, and clonal diversity. Duckweeds have specific features at their disposal for coping with particular environmental difficulties and can also cooperate with other organisms of their surroundings to improve their survival chances.

Automated summary

Duckweeds are small aquatic higher plants that grow on or just below the surface of still waters. Despite their small size, they are able to survive and reproduce in various climate zones around the world. They face multiple challenges, including high temperatures, light intensity fluctuations, nutrient shortage, damage by microorganisms and herbivores, presence of harmful substances, competition from other plants, winter cold, and drought. Duckweeds have adapted mechanisms for rapid growth, organ formation, and clonal diversity to cope with these challenges. They can also cooperate with other organisms in their environment to improve their chances of survival.