Water Hyacinth
Eichhornia crassipes
NEMBA category
English: Water Hyacinth, Nile Lily, Water Orchid
Afrikaans: Waterhiasint, Nyllelie, Snotterbel
Zulu: amazibo
Eichhornia crassipes, commonly known as Water Hyacinth, is a free-floating aquatic plant with thick, glossy leaves and showy purple flowers. This plant is a highly invasive species in South Africa, where it forms dense mats on water surfaces, blocking waterways, hindering navigation, and disrupting aquatic ecosystems.
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Origins: Tropical South America
Overall Appearance: A free-floating, perennial aquatic plant with a rosette of thick, glossy leaves that can reach up to 1 meter above the water surface and spread rapidly to form dense mats on the water surface.
Leaves: Thick, glossy, oval-shaped leaves with prominent veins.
Flowers: Showy, lavender to purple flowers with six petals, often with a yellow spot on the upper petal.
Flowering Season: Throughout the year in suitable conditions.
Fruits: Capsules containing numerous small seeds.
Seeds: Numerous, small, and can remain viable for many years.
Soil Type: Not applicable (grows freely on the water surface)
Aspect: Full sun
Uses:
Historically used for various purposes, including animal feed, fertilizer, and water purification.
Currently, its primary use is for research and control efforts.
Birds Attracted: Some birds may use the dense mats for nesting or shelter.
Insects Attracted: Various insects may be associated with the plant.
Provinces Affected: Widespread in South Africa, affecting rivers, dams, and wetlands.
Note: Water hyacinth is a highly invasive aquatic plant. It forms dense mats that block waterways, hinder navigation, reduce water flow, and disrupt aquatic ecosystems. These mats can also reduce oxygen levels in the water, harm fish populations, and impede recreational activities.
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