Looking out over this pond you might think you were in a primeval swamp. The large branch of a Southern Live Oak, covered with resurection fern, overhangs the pond and the water appears to be covered with solid green. The green is not pond scum but millions of tiny, floating, flowering plants called Small Duckweed (Lemna species). It is one of the smallest of the flowering plants. There are four species in Florida that are characterized by having one root from each leaf and, because the bottom of the leaves is red, it is probably Lemna obscura. The flowers are very small and dont last long. The plant reproduces mainly by asexual budding and is easily dispersed by sticking to the feet and feathers of waterfowl. Duckweeds provide habitat and food for fish, frogs and ducks and inhibit unwanted algal growth by shading the pond. In ponds with high nutrient loads duckweeds may be considered a pest.
Duckweed has a high protein content and along with a high growth rate, is economical to grow as food for livestock. It can be processed into a protein powder (Lentein) that is used for snacks, cereals and protein shakes.
I have seen alligators at this pond and it is probably best not to linger too close to the water. Alligators are generally shy creatures and prefer to avoid human contact. A female with young, though, can be agressive and part of the trail was closed some years ago because of an alligator nest nearby.
