Common multi-root

Common polyrhiza, scientific name Spirodela polyrhiza. It is widely distributed in the temperate climate zone in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It grows in Europe in stagnant, shallow water bodies and in wetlands of rivers.

Used as an aquarium plant. Until the early 2000s, another species was supplied under the name Common Rootweed – Spotted duckweed (Landoltia punctata), which was later separated into a separate genus.

It is considered the largest species of duckweed. The sprout consists of round flattened fragments/petals connected together like a trefoil, each of which is about 6 mm in diameter, while the sprout itself reaches 1 cm or more. The upper side is green, the lower side is reddish. The roots hang from the base of the sprout, collected in bunches.

The plant is easy to care for. It grows quickly, especially if the water contains a lot of nitrates, phosphates and potassium. The need for lighting is moderate. When kept in an aquarium, regular thinning is required, otherwise the surface will soon be covered with a dense green “carpet”.