The Water Hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes

Water Hyacinth Labeled one of the worst invasive plants in the world It is a member of the Pontederiaceae family A noxious species

Characteristics Mat forming, floating plant Spongy, waxy and glossy leaves Doubles its population in as little as 12 days 95% water, has a fibrous tissue Is similar to the native frog's-bit, Limnobium spongia

Characteristics Continued… Remove nutrients directly from water. Reproduction includes Sexual-- seeds Asexual– over wintering stems and the creation of daughter plants

Often Confused with Frog's-bit, Limnobium spongia native of golf states

History Native of South America Introduced to Florida in the early1880’s. Became a popular plant for gardens and domestic ponds.

Example of a large mat Located in Milnerton, Cape Town in South Africa

Location/ Habitat Wetland plant Grows in rivers: Ponds lakes costal fresh water bays marshes It is available in Pennsylvania for purchase from nurseries They are problematic to the ponds and lakes of Pennsylvania

U.S. Distribution of Invasive Populations

Uses Has been used by waste treatment plants It is a ornamental plant Possible food source high energy and protein content

Impact Damage  Disrupts commercial and recreational use of waterways  Much like algae their deaths lead to anoxic conditions Future  Scientists are worried about the development of a cold resistant species  Likely because it reproduces sexually

Impacted Continued… Has also invaded Central America North America Africa India Asia Australia New Zealand

Biota Control The use of herbicides is a common method of control  diquat Other control methods involve the introduction of insects They reduce to plant height and consume viable seeds

Biota Control Continued… moth (Sameodes albiguttalis) two weevil species of the Neochetina spp.

Thanks to: eeds/aqua010.html