The world's smallest flower belongs to the plant, Wolffia globosa.
About Wolffia globosa
Wolffia globosa, often simply called Wolffia, is renowned as the smallest flowering plant in the world. Here are some key characteristics:
Size
- It measures just 0.1–0.2 mm (0.004–0.008 in) in diameter. To put that into perspective, it's barely visible to the naked eye.
Appearance
- These plants are tiny, green, and often look like grains of sand floating on the water’s surface.
Habitat
- They are found floating on the surface of still or slow-moving bodies of water.
Culinary Use
- In Thailand, Wolffia globosa is known as Pham (ผํา) and is a popular ingredient in local cuisine, particularly in the Isan region.
Key Facts in Table Format
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Wolffia globosa |
| Common Name | Wolffia |
| Size | 0.1–0.2 mm in diameter |
| Location | Floating on still or slow-moving water |
| Culinary Use | Popular in Thai Cuisine (Pham/ผํา) |
Unique Characteristics
- Microscopic Size: Its extremely small size is its most distinguishing feature, making it a botanical marvel.
- Simple Structure: It has a very simple structure, lacking typical plant organs like leaves and stems.
- Edible: This tiny plant is actually edible and provides nutritional value.
Wolffia globosa serves as a fascinating example of the incredible diversity and scale found in the plant kingdom, highlighting that even the smallest organisms can play important roles in ecosystems and even human diets.
