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giant salvinia

Scientific Name: Salvinia herzogii

Family: Salviniaceae

Category: Fern

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Giant Salvinia: An Overview

Salvinia molesta, commonly known as giant salvinia or kariba weed, is a free-floating aquatic fern recognized for its rapid growth and potential to form dense mats on the water's surface.

Considerations for Pets

  • Giant salvinia is often found in water gardens and aquariums, potentially accessible to pets.

Considerations for Children

  • Giant salvinia is often found in water gardens and aquariums, potentially accessible to children.

Quirky Facts

  • Giant salvinia earned the name "kariba weed" after infesting a significant portion of the Kariba Reservoir.
  • The plant's floating leaves can vary in color from green to gold to brown.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Salvinia molesta
  • Common Names: Giant salvinia, kariba weed, water fern, African pyle, aquarium watermoss, koi kandy, water velvet, water spangles
  • Family: Salviniaceae (Water Fern Family)
  • Synonyms: Salvinia auriculata is sometimes used as a synonym or alternative scientific name.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to southeastern Brazil and northern Argentina.
  • It has spread to other regions, including Texas, Louisiana, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • Prefers slow-moving, quiet waters.

Ecological Role

  • Giant salvinia is considered an invasive species in many regions.
  • Its rapid growth can block sunlight and reduce oxygen levels in the water, harming native plants and aquatic life.
  • The plant has caused millions of dollars worth of damage and control costs in many countries.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Free-floating aquatic fern that lacks true roots.
  • Individual plantlets consist of a horizontal stem producing two floating leaves and one submerged, root-like leaf.
  • Floating leaves are oblong, ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) long.
  • Older plants can have leaves compressed into chains.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Texas A&M AgriLife scientists are seeing significant areas of giant salvinia destroyed by salvinia-eating weevils.

Further Information

  • USDA’s National Invasive Species Information Center
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife