Characterization of the cryptic interspecific hybrid Lemna×mediterranea by an integrated approach provides new insights into duckweed diversity.

Lemnaceae taxonomy is challenged by the particular morphology of these tiny free-floating angiosperms. Although molecular taxonomy has helped clarify the phylogenetic history of this family, some inconsistency with morphological data leads to frequent misclassifications in the genus Lemna. Recently, the finding that Lemna japonica is an interspecific hybrid between Lemna minor and Lemna turionifera provided a clear explanation for one such taxonomic question.

Impact of the Invasive Alien Macrophyte on Freshwater Ecosystems: Evidence from Field Data.

Biological invasions are a serious threat to biodiversity conservation, especially in freshwater ecosystems. The American macrophyte , which colonizes both the aquatic and bank habitats of lakes, rivers, and canals, is invading many waterbodies in Europe, becoming an increasingly worrisome threat in several European countries, including Italy. However, only fragmentary information is available on the actual impact of its invasion in these habitats.

Trophic transfer of microplastics from producer (Lemna minuta) to primary consumer (Cataclysta lemnata) in a freshwater food chain.

Contamination by microplastics (0.1 μm-5 mm plastic fragments) is currently one of the major threats to the conservation of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. Growing awareness on this issue has led to an increase in studies on the effects of microplastics on freshwater organisms, although there are still few investigations on possible transfer of this contaminant along water trophic chains from producers to primary consumers.

Impact of the Alien Aquatic Plant on the Native : Evidence from an Indoor Experiment.

is an alien aquatic plant considered highly invasive in Europe since it alters freshwater habitats by forming dense mats both in water and along banks, outcompeting natives. effects on the native carnivorous plant were investigated here. A 21-day indoor experiment was performed by setting up some separate tests in which was made to grow both alone (control tests) and together with (arena tests).