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:

http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/hyacin2.html http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/

weeds/aqua010.html