Question

What is the smallest flowering plant?

• A. Wolffia
• B. Rafflesia
• C. Both A and B
• D. None of these.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Wolffia

The correct option is A.

Explanation of correct option :

1. The smallest flowering plant is Wolffia.
2. Wolffia is the smallest free-floating aquatic plant sized around 0.1 to 0.2 mm in diameter.
3. They may be spherical or cylindrical in shape.
4. Wolffia lacks airspaces or veins and also do not have roots.
5. Wolffia are a potential high-protein human food source.
6. It has over 20% protein by dry weight and has high content of essential amino acid.
7. Wolffia can reproduce by seed by means of vegetative reproduction.

Explanation of incorrect options :-

Option B

1. Rafflesia is the largest parasitic flowering plant found in the rainforests of the Indonesia.
2. It can grow up to 3 feet across and weigh up to 15 pounds.
3. It is a parasitic plant having no visible leaves, roots, or stem.
4. It attaches itself to a host plant to obtain water and nutrients.

Final answer : Wolffia is the smallest flowering plant .