Wolffia_globosa

Wolffia globosa

Wolffia globosa

Species of flowering plant in the family Araceae

Wolffia globosa is a species of flowering plant known by the common names Asian watermeal and duckweed. It is native to Asia and is found in parts of the Americas and Africa, where it is an introduced species.[2] It grows in mats on the surface of calm, freshwater bodies, such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. It is a very tiny, oval-shaped plant with no leaves, stems, or roots. The body of the plant, a transparent green frond, is less than a millimeter wide. In one human experiment, processed W. globosa was reported to provide dietary protein and vitamin B12.[3]

Quick Facts Conservation status, Scientific classification ...

Wolffia globosa has been described as the world's smallest flowering plant, at 0.1–0.2 mm (0.004–0.008 in) in diameter.[4][5]

Known in Thai as Pham (ผํา), it is a popular item in Thai cuisine, especially in Isan.[6]

Global distribution and invasive status

Wolffia globosa is native to Southeast Asia but has established populations in multiple continents, including parts of North and South America, Africa, and Oceania. Its remarkable adaptability allows it to thrive in diverse freshwater environments, often forming dense mats on ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. In some regions, such as Florida (USA), W. globosa is recognized as an introduced species and is monitored for its potential ecological impacts, including competition with native aquatic plants and effects on local biodiversity.[7][8]

Molecular biology and genomic insights

Recent advances in molecular biology have facilitated the sequencing of the Wolffia globosa genome, revealing unique genetic adaptations that support its minute size and rapid growth. Genomic studies have identified specific genes associated with efficient nutrient uptake, reduced structural complexity, and high reproductive capacity. These findings provide new insights into the evolutionary reduction of plant body plans and have implications for both plant developmental biology and biotechnological applications.[9][10]

Protein content and food security applications

Wolffia globosa contains exceptionally high protein levels—up to 40% of its dry weight—making it a promising candidate for future food security. It is rich in essential amino acids and micronutrients, including vitamin B12, and can be cultivated rapidly in minimal space. Recent research highlights its potential as a sustainable plant-based protein source, especially in regions facing nutritional deficiencies. Pilot studies in Southeast Asia have explored its use in traditional and novel food products, positioning W. globosa as a model for “future foods.”[11][12]

References

  1. [1]
    Mani, S. (2011). "Wolffia globosa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T177384A7426184. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
  2. [2]
    "Wolffia globosa (Roxb.) Hartog & Plas". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. 2022. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  3. [3]
    Kaplan A, Zelicha H, Tsaban G, Yaskolka Meir A, Rinott E, Kovsan J, Novack L, Thiery J, Ceglarek U, Burkhardt R, Willenberg A, Tirosh A, Cabantchik I, Stampfer MJ, Shai I (December 2019). "Protein bioavailability of Wolffia globosa duckweed, a novel aquatic plant - A randomized controlled trial". Clin Nutr. 38 (6): 2576–2582. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2018.12.009. PMID 30591380.
  4. [4]
    Lock, Helen (4 Sep 2013). "Rare bloom for Wolffia Globosa, the world's smallest flowering plant". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 25 Sep 2016.
  5. [5]
    "What is the smallest flower in the world? (Everyday Mysteries: Fun Science Facts from the Library of Congress)". www.loc.gov. Library of Congress. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  6. [6]
    แกงไข่ผำ(สาหร่ายสไปรูลิน่า)สูตรและวิธีทำ
  7. [7]
    Ziegler, P. et al. (2021). Duckweeds for water remediation and toxicity testing. Toxics, 9(6), 131. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9060131
  8. [8]
    Laird, K. R. & Taylor, D. J. (2022). The ecological consequences of introduced aquatic plants: A focus on duckweeds. Aquatic Botany, 175, 103470. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2021.103470
  9. [9]
    Hoang, P. T. N. et al. (2022). The genome of Wolffia australiana facilitates discovery of genetic basis for aquatic adaptation in duckweeds. Plant Cell, 34(5), 1536–1553. https://doi.org/10.1093/plcell/koac068
  10. [10]
    Van Hoeck, A. et al. (2022). Small but mighty: The genomics of the world's smallest flowering plants. Current Opinion in Plant Biology, 65, 102153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbi.2021.102153
  11. [11]
    Appenroth, K.-J. et al. (2023). Nutritional value of duckweeds (Lemnaceae) as human food. Frontiers in Chemistry, 11, 1134924. https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2023.1134924
  12. [12]
    Sree, K. S. et al. (2022). Duckweeds: Omnipresent tiny plants with profound applications in agriculture and food. Plants, 11(12), 1641. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11121641


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