Eichhornia crassipes (Martius) Solms-Laubach
[Pontederiaceae]
Other common names: water orchid
Water hyacinth is a floating plant that occurs in lakes, ponds, canals and other freshwater bodies. Water hyacinth forms thick mats on the surface of the water which is detrimental to all the life forms. Hyacinth has leathery, round leaves connected to a sponge like stalk. Water hyacinth has stringy black roots and are also capable of rooting in mud temporarily. The reproduction system of hyacinth is vast, however it primarily perpetuates through seed production.
Eichhornia is native to South America (Most likely from Brazil.). Origin in the United States may date back as far as 1884. This weed has recently spread throughout the Southern United States.
