Goliad Farms, LP - Eichhornia crassipes

Goliad Farms, LP

8497 FM 622
Goliad, Texas 77963

Voice 361.645.2252
Fax 361.645.2258
Email goliadfish@goliadfarms.com

Contents

Plants

Eichhornia crassipes, Water Hyacinth

Eichhornia crassipes, the Water Hyacinth, is a floating tropical plant from South America. It has been introduced into many other areas including the Gulf Coast of North America with devastating effects. Water hyacinth reproduces rapidly clogging waterways from Florida to Texas, making boating impossible, causing flooding and crowding out native plants. As a result many jurisdictions ban its possession. On the other hand, it is a heavy feeder and is used extensively in water treatment systems.

Description: Water hyacinth grows as a floating rosette with fleshy light green leaves. At the base of each leaf is a bulbous float (see center, bottom of photo to the left). From the base of the rosette of leaves grows a thick root system with many fine feeder roots. It blooms freely in warm conditions, putting up a flower stalk with 6-12 orchid-like lavender flowers with yellow centers (see right side of photo to the left). The flowers last two to three days before fading. The plant usually reproduces asexually by means of tillers or runners that terminate to form new rosettes.

Environment: This plant tolerates pHs from 6.5 to 8.5. Optimum temperature ranges from 20-30°C (68-85°F). Water hyacinth cannot tolerate hard freezes, although it survives light freezes with damage. The plant thrives at high temperatures.

Geographic Range: South America's Amazon Basin. Introduced worldwide in sub-tropical and tropical climates.

Uses: This species is attractive in its own right, but grows rapidly out of control and shades out other less robust plants. Its roots are useful as a spawning medium for plant spawning fish such as tetras, rainbowfish and some killifish. Water hyacinth is a heavy feeder and is used for tertiary water treatment in sewer plants. Apple snails will eat this plant if nothing more palatable is available. The snails eat the roots first, leaving the plant to die gradually unless it or the snail are removed.

Care: Water hyacinth requires bright light and rich, fertile water. Given these it grows lushly and rapidly. Otherwise, no special care is required.

Additional Information: None at present.

Additional Photos: None at present.

Special Notes: This plant is prohibited in many countries and some US states. Please check local laws before possessing it.