Why Duckweed is Awesome!

Here are 10 reasons why duckweed is AWESOME:

1. It is the world's smallest flowering plant.
2. It can accumulate biomass more rapidly than corn (that means more starch per acre!).
3. It is a bioremediator, meaning that it can remove pollutants from water like nitrogen, calcium, iron, and phosphorus.
4. It can be used for wastewater treatment.
5. It won't compete with land crops for space.
6. It is relatively easy to grow.
7. It is found all over the world.
8. It can reproduce sexually and asexually.
9. It has a growth doubling time of 2-7 days.
10. It can be used as low-cost feedstock for agricultural farming.

Sources: 

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/04/doubleduckweed/

http://www.mobot.org/jwcross/duckweed/duckweed.htm

http://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=4250

www.mdpi.com/journal/energies; article, Improving Production of Bioethanol from Duckweed (Landoltia punctata) by Pectinase Treatment