Fanwort Cabomba caroliniana By: Steven Gilio

Taxonomy Kingdom: Plantae Subkingdom: Tracheobionta Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Subclass: Magnoliidae Order: Nymphaeales Family: Cabombaceae Genus: Cabomba Species: Cabomba caroliniana

Characteristics Perennial Grows from short rhizomes with fibrous roots Fully Submerged except for occasional floating leaves and emergent flowers Stems can grow up to 10m long and reach the surface

Characteristics Flowers Less than 2cm across Color ranges from white to pale yellow and may also include a pink or purplish tinge. Emerge on stalks from the tips of the stems Bloom from May to September Floating Leaves  Two inches across  Diamond-shaped  Infrequent Two types of leaves Submersed leaves  Divided frequently  Arranged oppositely or in whorls around the stem  Fan-like in appearence

Distribution Pennsylvania

Distribution in PA Bucks County Carbon County Luzerne County Crawford County Lawrence County

Habitat Preferred habitat: Warm, humid climates  13-27°C (55-81°F) Permanent shallow waters  3-10 meters May also be found in: Reservoirs Sloughs Ditches Canals Streams Small Rivers Ponds Lakes

Ecological Impacts Outcompetes native plants  Forms dense stands  Crowds out well-established plants Effects water quality  Decomposition reduces oxygen and produces foul smelling odor Clogs drainage canals and freshwater streams  Interferes with recreational, agricultural, and aesthetic uses

Sources of Introduction Aquarium Plant Hull Fouling Natural Dispersal  Stem fragments  Rhizomes Common aquarium plant Hull fouling Other contaminated debris  Bait  Translocation of machinery

Control Measures Chemical  Herbicides – Endothall, Fluridone Physical  Draw down  Draining Biocontrol  Grass Carp Prevention  Sterilization of boats and boating equipment  Burning or Drying out of plants  Discourage deliberate seeding of waterways for aquarium trade

The End

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