Landoltia punctata
Dotted duckmeat
(c) Joe Dillon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Joe Dillon · licence
Family: Araceae · Type: Herb · Native
Landoltia punctata (Dotted duckmeat) is a native California herb in the Araceae family, recognized by Recently segregated genus - split from Spirodela based on molecular and morphological studies.
Dotted duckmeat is a California native aquatic perennial found in northern coastal, northern high Sierra, Central Valley, central coastal, San Francisco Bay, and southern coastal regions in still water valleys at elevations below 2,050 meters. Flowering during summer and early fall, this unique plant produces small green flowers in two lateral budding pouches. Growing as a reduced floating aquatic with multiple roots passing through minute scales, it forms small green to dark green bodies 3 to 5 millimeters long that are oblong to obovate and asymmetric. Its plant body features 3 to 7 veins, with a shiny dark green upper surface often marked by a row of minute bumps and a distinctive red-purple lower surface. Young plants are characterized by tiny scale-like leaves at their base, creating a delicate and intricate aquatic profile.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Recently segregated genus - split from Spirodela based on molecular and morphological studies
Habitat and range
Habitat: Still water in valleys
Elevation: < 2050 m
California counties: Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Butte, Tehama, Madera, Alameda, Humboldt, Yolo, Monterey
Outside California: +- worldwide.
Bloom period
Landoltia punctata blooms Summer-early fall.
How to tell it apart
vs Lemna: Count the roots: Landoltia has 2-7 roots per disc clustering together, Lemna has exactly one thin root per disc.; vs Spirodela: Landoltia discs are 3-5 mm with 3-7 veins; Spirodela discs are larger at 5-10 mm with 7-12 veins.; vs Wolffiella: Landoltia has obvious roots dangling beneath; Wolffiella has no roots and looks like tiny flattened ribbons.; vs Wolffia: Landoltia has 2-7 visible roots beneath each disc; Wolffia has no roots at all and is smaller.
Frequently asked questions
Is Landoltia punctata native to California?
Yes. Landoltia punctata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Landoltia punctata bloom?
Landoltia punctata blooms Summer-early fall.
Where in California does Landoltia punctata grow?
Landoltia punctata occurs in Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Butte, Tehama, Madera, Alameda, Humboldt and other counties, at elevations of < 2050 m.
What plant family does Landoltia punctata belong to?
Landoltia punctata is in the Araceae family, genus Landoltia.
What habitat does Landoltia punctata grow in?
Landoltia punctata grows in Still water in valleys.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.