EXOTIC AQUATICS
Nutria
Zebra Mussel
Water Hyacinth
Hydrilla
References
Exotic
Aquatics of the Gulf Coast:
Water
Hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes)
Water Hyacinth: Unique Physical Features
All invasive species have three characteristics that help them to take over or compete successfully in many environments — 1) prolific reproduction, 2) broad ability to adjust to environmental stress and 3) advanced ability to acquire nutrition. In the water hyacinth, these three characteristics are manifested in interesting ways.
The plant’s reproduction is enhanced by its ability to reproduce by the seeds that are released by each spike of 20 lavender-purple flowers. They can remain dormant until flooding helps them germinate. The have huge, dense roots to obtain nutrition from the water and the bulbous petiole, which looks like Styrofoam when cut open, helps the heavy plant float in an upright position in order to absorb sunlight needed for photosynthesis. The cupped leaves help a cut plant sail across the water’s surface to begin a new colony.
Water Hyacinth: An Introduction
Water Hyacinth: Valued by Some, Hated by Others
Water Hyacinth: Unique Physical Features
Water Hyacinth: Online & Printed Resources