Nature never ceases to amaze us, and one of its wonders is the smallest flowers in the world. These tiny flowers are so small that they can easily fit on your fingertip.
Here are the top 10 smallest flowers in the world. At number one is Wolffia globosa, also known as the Asian watermeal, which is the smallest flowering plant in the world. It is so small that it can be easily overlooked by the naked eye. At number two is the Watermeal, a type of duckweed that can be found floating on the surface of stagnant or slow-moving bodies of water.
Other entries on the list include Utricularia, commonly known as bladderwort, and the tiny yellow flower Schindleria praematura, which is found in the Indian Ocean. These flowers may be small in size, but they are beautiful and a testament to the amazing diversity of the natural world.
Smallest Flowers in the World
Water-Meal
Water-meal, also known as duckweed, is a small, free-floating aquatic plant that is found in freshwater ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It is one of the smallest flowering plants in the world and is often seen in dense mats on the surface of the water.
Although it is considered a nuisance by some due to its ability to rapidly multiply and cover the surface of water bodies, water meal actually plays an important role in aquatic ecosystems by providing food and shelter for various aquatic animals. It is also used in some cultures as a food source, particularly in Southeast Asia, where it is known as “khai-nam”.
| Scientific Name | Wolffia |
| Native Range | Around the world |
| Flowering Season | Influenced by environmental factors such as temperature |
Alfalfa
Alfalfa, also known as Medicago Sativa, is a plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is a leguminous plant that is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Alfalfa is also a good source of protein and fiber, which makes it an ideal supplement for vegetarians and vegans. It has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including indigestion, arthritis, and even diabetes. In recent years, alfalfa has gained popularity as a superfood due to its high nutritional content. It is often consumed in the form of sprouts, which are young alfalfa plants that are easy to grow at home.
| Scientific Name | Medicago sativa |
| Native Range | Middle East and Central Asia |
| Flowering Season | Summer and die back in winter |
Bladderwort
Bladderwort is a fascinating aquatic plant that can be found in freshwater environments across the world. It is characterized by its unique ability to trap small organisms such as water fleas and mosquito larvae in small bladders that hang from its stems and leaves.
These bladders are incredibly effective and can suck in their prey in just a fraction of a second. Due to this carnivorous nature, bladderwort is often considered to be a natural pest control for ponds and other bodies of water. In addition to its hunting abilities, bladderwort also has a unique reproductive system that allows it to self-pollinate, meaning it can spread rapidly and become a dominant species in its environment.
| Scientific Name | Utricularia |
| Native Range | Northern Hemisphere |
| Flowering Season | Late winter or early spring |
Black Swallow-Wort
Black swallow-wort is a non-native invasive plant that has become a major problem in many areas of North America. It is a perennial vine that can grow up to 6 feet tall and produces small, dark purple flowers.
Although it may look attractive, this plant poses a serious threat to the environment by out-competing native plants and reducing biodiversity. Black swallow-wort spreads quickly by wind-borne seeds and underground rhizomes, making it difficult to control. It is also toxic to monarch butterflies, which mistake it for the milkweed plant and lay their eggs on it. This results in the death of monarch larvae, which cannot survive on black swallow-wort.
| Scientific Name | Vincetoxicum nigrum |
| Native Range | Europe and Asia |
| Flowering Season | Summer |
Black Medick
Black medick, also known as Medicago lupulina, is a type of legume that is often used as a cover crop or forage crop. Its yellow flowers bloom from May to October and it is commonly found in fields, meadows, and roadsides throughout Europe and Asia.
The plant has deep roots that can reach up to two meters in length, making it an excellent choice for soil stabilization and erosion control. Additionally, black medick is known for its nitrogen-fixing ability, which means it can improve soil fertility. This makes it a valuable crop for farmers and gardeners alike. Black medick is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory problems and digestive issues.
| Scientific Name | Medicago lupulina |
| Native Range | Eurasia and Africa |
| Flowering Season | Late spring and throughout the summer |
Baby’s Breath
Baby’s breath is a delicate and beautiful flower commonly used in weddings and other special events as decoration. It is known for its tiny white blossoms, which are commonly arranged in clusters or used as a filler flower in larger arrangements.
Despite its delicate appearance, a baby’s breath is actually a hardy plant that can survive in a variety of climates. In fact, it is often considered a weed, as it can grow and spread rapidly if not kept in check. In addition to its ornamental uses, baby breath has also been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections and coughs.
| Scientific Name | Gypsophila |
| Native Range | Europe and Asia |
| Flowering Season | Late spring through the summer |
Forget-Me-Not
Forget-Me-Not flowers are one of the most delicate and charming wildflowers. Their name derives from the German “Vergissmeinnicht”, which means “do not forget me”, and it is a sweet reminder for loved ones. These dainty flowers are known for their bright blue color and tiny size.
They typically bloom in the spring and summer, often in damp, shady areas. The legend of Forget-Me-Not flowers dates back to medieval times when it was believed that a knight and his lady were walking along a riverbank when he picked some of these flowers for her.
| Scientific Name | Myosotis |
| Native Range | Europe and Asia |
| Flowering Season | Spring |
Lobelia
Lobelia is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to North America. It is commonly known for its vibrant blue, pink, or white flowers that bloom throughout the summer months. Lobelia has long been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughs due to its expectorant properties.
Additionally, it has been used as a natural remedy to help alleviate anxiety and stress due to its calming effects on the nervous system. It is also a popular choice for gardeners due to its ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds.
| Scientific Name | Lobelia |
| Native Range | Eastern and Central North America, Southern Africa, East Asia |
| Flowering Season | Spring to fall |
Kenilworth Ivy
Kenilworth Ivy, also known as Cymbalaria muralis, is a beautiful and unique plant that is native to southern Europe. It is often found growing on stone walls, creating a stunningly green and vibrant display. The leaves of the Kenilworth Ivy are small and heart-shaped, with delicate purple flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months.
This plant is perfect for those who are looking for a low-maintenance and hardy addition to their garden, as it is known for being able to grow in even the harshest of conditions. Kenilworth Ivy is also a great option for those who are looking to add some natural beauty to their indoor space, as it can be grown in a hanging basket or as a trailing plant.
| Scientific Name | Cymbalaria muralis |
| Native Range | Europe and Asia |
| Flowering Season | Spring to autumn |
Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris is an aromatic herb that is commonly used in cooking and has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It is also known as common thyme, garden thyme, or simply thyme.
Thyme is a small perennial shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region and belongs to the mint family. It has small, fragrant leaves that are gray-green in color and a woody stem. Thyme is often used as a seasoning for meats, stews, soups, and vegetables, and is a popular herb for roasting chicken. Thyme also has a number of medicinal properties and has been used to treat respiratory infections, digestive issues, and sore throats.
The essential oil of thyme contains thymol, which is a natural antiseptic and has been used to treat fungal infections and wounds. Thyme is also high in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from free radicals and support a healthy immune system.
| Scientific Name | Thymus |
| Native Range | Southern Europe |
| Flowering Season | Late spring to early summer |