Water Lettuce
description
Transcript of Water Lettuce
![Page 1: Water Lettuce](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022062301/56816059550346895dcf82f3/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Water LettuceSam Wiernusz
![Page 2: Water Lettuce](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022062301/56816059550346895dcf82f3/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Characteristics
Water lettuce (Pistea stratiotes) is a floating plant. It looks like an open head of lettuce suspended on the water. Its leaves are thick and its roots are feathery.
![Page 3: Water Lettuce](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022062301/56816059550346895dcf82f3/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Water Lettuce
• Perennial• Obligate species• Lives in temperate
climates worldwide• Form dense mats that
stretch from shore to shore
![Page 4: Water Lettuce](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022062301/56816059550346895dcf82f3/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
The Problem
• Clogs waterways• Degrades water
quality• Greatly reduces
biodiversity
![Page 5: Water Lettuce](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022062301/56816059550346895dcf82f3/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Water Lettuce
• Found globally, but its spread is limited by severe cold
• Leaves will regrow after moderate freezes
• Still sold through aquarium supply dealers because it is not labeled a noxious weed yet
![Page 6: Water Lettuce](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022062301/56816059550346895dcf82f3/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Source of Introduction
It is debated among scientists as to whether or not it is native to the United States. There are records from 1765 of this plant being observed in Florida. Some experts believe, however, its origin is from Africa.
![Page 7: Water Lettuce](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022062301/56816059550346895dcf82f3/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Control Measures
• Mechanical harvesters and choppers• Bio control insects• Aquatic herbicides
![Page 8: Water Lettuce](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022062301/56816059550346895dcf82f3/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Questions?