Watermeal: Smallest Flowering Plant in the World

This goes without saying that flowers are the most incredible touches of colours, fragrances and beauty that enhance the aesthetics of a place. They have the ability to brighten anyone’s day and their affinity and charm cannot be overlooked. Besides, flowers come in countless shapes, colours and sizes. While many of them are rounded bundles of colourful petals, there is even an orchid that shares an uncanny resemblance with a monkey. Thus, in this article, we talk about the world’s smallest flowering plant, i.e. watermeal. Scroll down to get key insights on the same.

About Watermeal

The world’s smallest flowering plant doesn’t even appear to be a flower. Also known as Wolffia plants, watermeal looks no less than candy sprinkles, just in green colour. The weight of this flower is similar to that of the size of a rice grain. The plant is often mistaken for algae since it looks like floating bunches of cornmeal.

Though they may not align with the popularly perceived idea of flowering plants, scientifically they are also a plant specie. in fact, they are power-packed with nutrients like protein and amino acids that are good for human and animal consumption. In fact, they produce the world’s most miniature fruits i.e. utricles.

Favourable Growing Conditions

Wolffia (or Watermeal) plants tend to grow in stagnant water such as that of ponds, lakes or marshes. One can also find it growing alongside duckweeds or mosquito ferns. Since it has the fastest-known plant growth rate, it can cover a waterbody in the blink of an eye, especially when there is little to no wind.

This trait suggests that Wollfia can be compared to yeast. Furthermore, Wolffia has a granular form lacking in root, stem or leaf, just a frond.

Ecological Importance

This tiny, lime green-coloured and rootless flowering plant is often used as camouflage by fish, reptiles and amphibians. Moreover, given its persistent nature, it continues to germinate throughout every season.

So, enjoy the beauty of this unique tiny beauty and marvel at nature’s wonder.