Wolffia brasiliensis Wedd.

• Genus: Wolffia
• Botanical Background: First described by botanists including Weddell, this species has been a subject of study for aquatic plant specialists seeking to understand its minimalistic morphology and rapid growth.

• Geographical Range: Native to Brazil and parts of tropical South America, it is typically found in calm freshwater ecosystems.
• Environment: Thrives in warm, still or slow-moving waters with high humidity and nutrient availability. It prefers environments with minimal disturbance and clear water conditions.

Leaves

• Tiny, oval to rounded frond-like structures

• Extremely reduced and nearly scale-like in appearance

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Produces tiny, simple flowers that are rarely visible

• Flowers allow for occasional sexual reproduction in optimal conditions

Growth Habit

• Fully aquatic and free-floating

• Reproduces predominantly via rapid vegetative budding

Light Requirements

• Prefers bright, indirect light

• Avoid direct, intense sunlight that may cause overheating of water

Watering & Humidity

• Requires clean, nutrient-rich freshwater

• Moderate water movement supports healthy growth

Soil & Potting Mix

• Not applicable — grows as a free-floating aquatic plant

• Best cultivated in open water, aquaria, or shallow trays

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Thrives in warm, tropical-like conditions

• Occasional diluted aquatic fertilizer can boost growth without disturbing the water balance

Division

• Propagates efficiently through vegetative budding

• New fronds form and detach from parent plants, expanding the colony

Stem Cuttings (if applicable)

• Not applicable due to lack of stems and roots

Seeds

• Rarely flowers or sets seed

• Seed propagation is not typically used due to its infrequent occurrence

Typical Issues

• Algal overgrowth due to nutrient imbalance or stagnant water

• Occasional fungal infections in poorly maintained aquatic setups

Treatment Recommendations

• Maintain clean water with regular changes and gentle filtration

• Use low-impact, aquatic-safe treatments only if infections occur

• Renowned as one of the smallest flowering plants on Earth, capable of astonishingly fast vegetative reproduction

• A favored subject in botanical research due to its simplicity and efficiency in biomass production

• Adds visual interest to aquascapes and small-scale water gardens due to its floating, minimalist form

• Often used in educational displays to demonstrate unique plant morphology and aquatic ecosystem dynamics

Wild Population Status

• While not currently endangered, this species is sensitive to water pollution and habitat disruption, highlighting the need for ongoing conservation efforts

Market Availability

• Available through specialized aquatic plant suppliers and research institutions

• May be considered rare in mainstream horticultural markets outside of scientific or ecological contexts