| Identification
Giant salvinia has three leaves, two above water and the
third submerged. Salvinia forms floating mats that shade
and over crowd native plants thus, threatening water quality
and the oxygen supply. These mats also form in rivers and
irrigation ditches which constrains agriculture. These mats
can clog drains, irrigation intakes and be snagged by boats
and spread to other areas.
Biology
Salvinia molesta is a free floating aquatic fern
that grows rapidly to cover the surface of lakes and streams.
Giant salvinia can become detrimental to the economy and
recreational interests. Giant salvinia reproduces efficiently
by the spreading of plant fragments that easily break off
when disturbed, and it is not known to reproduce by spores.
History
Salvinia molesta is an aquatic weed, native to
South America, which has recently been found in the Houston
area in 1998. It is feared that it may become a major nuisance
aquatic weed in Texas.
Status
Giant salvinia has been detected in East Texas, North
Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida,
and Arizona. It is found in certain sites in these states
but is not widely distributed. The Federal Noxious Weed
Law prohibits the importation of giant salvinia into the
United States and the transport across state lines.
Range
Still waters of man-made and natural lakes and ponds,
oxbow lakes, ditches, stream margins and wetlands. Expected
to occupy habitats favorable to S. minima, yet predicted
to extend into and colonize open water more aggressively.
Biological Control Agents
Literature
Thomas, P. A., and P. M. Room. 1986. Taxonomy and control
of Salvinia molesta. Nature 320: 581-584.
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