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common water hyacinth

Scientific Name: Eichhornia crassipes

Family: Pontederiaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Eichhornia crassipes: The Common Water Hyacinth

Eichhornia crassipes, widely recognized as the common water hyacinth, is a free-floating aquatic plant known for its rapid growth and spread. This species has garnered attention for both its ornamental beauty and its potential to become an invasive nuisance.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms
  • Common Names: Water Hyacinth, Common Water Hyacinth, Floating Water Hyacinth, Water-Orchid, Jacinthe D'eau, Brazilian Water Hyacinth
  • Synonyms: Eichhornia speciosa, Piaropus crassipes
  • Family: Pontederiaceae (Pickerelweed Family)
  • Taxonomic Tree:
    • Domain: Eukaryota
    • Kingdom: Plantae
    • Phylum: Spermatophyta
    • Subphylum: [Not specified in provided text]
  • USDA PLANTS Symbol: EICR

Distribution and Habitat

  • Origin: Native to the Amazon basin, South America.
  • Current Distribution: Widely introduced and naturalized in many parts of the world, including Florida (introduced in 1884), Africa, Australia, and the Americas.
  • Habitat: Free-floating in various freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes, dams, irrigation channels, and paddy fields. Some species float in shallow water; others are rooted in muddy stream banks and lakeshores.

Ecological Role

  • Considered one of the world's worst aquatic weeds due to its invasive nature.
  • Can clog waterways, hindering boating, fishing, and other water activities.
  • Forms dense mats that impede water flow.
  • In agriculture, it is a common weed in paddy fields.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Perennial, free-floating aquatic plant.
  • Can grow up to 3 feet in height.
  • Features clusters of leaves with spongy stalks arising from a base of dark purple feathery roots.
  • Leaves are leathery.
  • Reproduces vegetatively by short runner stems (stolons).
  • Seedlings are common on mud banks exposed by low water levels.

Reproduction

  • Can reproduce by seeds in warm climates (not in Iowa).
  • Seeds can survive for 15 to 20 years.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text states that eating the plant is reported as a known hazard.

Quirky Facts

  • Water Hyacinths are in the Pickerelweed family, are described as being born nearly pregnant adults, and can double in short amount of time.