Giant Salvinia: A New Aquatic Invasive Species Threat

摘要

Giant salvinia has been labeled as the world's worst aquatic weed. It has been on the Federal Noxious Weed list for two decades. This preventative measure did not prevent the unfortunate escape of this aquatic invasive species into the wild. In 1998 it was found in a school wetland display near Houston, TX. Giant salvinia had been accidently introduced with other aquatic plants purchased for the project. Texas authorities found it being distributed in several other nurseries where it was removed. Nurseries in California and Arizona also had giant salvinia available. Native to South America, giant salvinia has growth characteristics similar to water hyacinth.