Water hyacinth produces stolons (horizontal stems) that extend sideways and produce new shoots. I appreciate your comment. A lesson in and of itself! The use of water hyacinth for handicrafts seems to be explanding. The plant lives in the wild in the southeastern part of the United States and is also found in California. The plant's features and behaviour are interesting, but it can cause major problems. The interior of a nodule is shown in the photo below. In addition, the water that collects on the leaves of the plants is an ideal habitat for mosquitoes, which can spread disease. The smoke contains chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. The plant can create multiple problems. Wouter Hagens, via Wikimedia Commons, public domain license. Water hyacinth is a free-floating aquatic plant in the Pickerel-Weed family (Pontederiaceae) imported into North America in 1884 for an exposition in New Orleans. What happens to the populations of plants and animals as water hyacinths grow? I hope they become more affordable. Water hyacinth affects humans as well. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on December 30, 2019: I agree, Denise. In 2018, the village of Dunga on the shore of Lake Victoria received two biogas digesters. We live right on the lake but have been gone for the last 4 1/2 months. The plant reproduces quickly, which contributes to its invasiveness. Thanks for this interesting look at water hyacinths. I hope you have a great week. The stalk of the spike may be even longer than the spike itself. The flower contains three long and three short stamens (the male structures) and one globular stigma connected to a curved style (part of the female structure). It was reported to be in California in 1904. They are singularly beautiful. If biodigester is made affordable then it can be a boon for those villagers and also save our precious trees. How sad that it is a sort of narcissist of the plant world, but we can be somewhat hopeful around fueling the biogas digesters to ferment fish in Kenya. Estuaries 26(3):746-758. Water hyacinth should be controlled so they do not cover the entire pond. Its thick, waxy, oval-shaped leaves are 4-8 inches across and branch out from the center of the plant on modified stems that may rise as much as 1 meter above the water surface. Although they look similar, three of them are true petals and the other three are sepals. What a beautiful plant and what a complicated existence, for itself and for others! It was educational for me as well, especially with respect to the meaning and significance of particular words. The devices use a mixture of water hyacinth and cow dung to produce a gas that can be used to cook food, purify water, and incubate chicks. Kenyans are amazing people. I think the water hyacinth is beautiful, too. I have seen this growing in abundance at some places, but never knew much details about it. The flowing water ecosystems originate from the springs, mountains and forests. It grows in bodies of fresh water, including lakes, ponds, canals, rivers, marshes, and ditches. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Pontederiaceae, or the water hyacinth family, primarily contains aquatic plants that occur mainly in tropical areas around the world. Air pollution caused by burning wood and charcoal is a problem for the immediate environment in another way, especially when it takes place indoors. Hyacinths Come to the Netherlands and England The species can be a major problem in warm climates. Hi, Chitrangada. It has been found in other parts of the United States and in a few areas in Ontario as well but hasn't become permanently established there. Water hyacinth is a fast growing plant capable of holding its rosette of glossy-green, waxy leaves up to two feet above the water. This is a well-written article that has a wealth of information, and I learned so much. An even bigger problem is that the repeated exposure to the smoke used to cook and preserve the fish is affecting the health of the women, particularly with respect to their lungs. I wonder if, as markets usually do, the $750 for the biogas digester will go up as the demand grows. There is convincing evidence that the hyacinth was cultivated by the Turks for both its fragrance and for ceremonial usage. Some species float in shallow water; others are rooted in muddy stream banks and lakeshores. Hyacinth or Hyacinthus to give its Latin name comes from the Ancient Greek name given by Homer who said the flower sprang from the blood of the dead Hyakinthos. We expected to come home to floating islands of lirio like last year but it is very “scant” so far and it seems to be entirely water lettuce and no water hyacinth:/ Anyone else notice this or know why? In certain areas, the plant causes major problems for people. Zhang, Y., D. Zhang, and S.C. Barrett. Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on September 07, 2019: I've always admired the beauty of the water hyacinth, never knew it could be so problematic. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. — University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Molecular Ecology 19(9):1774-1786. The biofuel aspect is intriguing. WARNING: Water hyacinth is a highly invasive species in areas with mild winters. It also blocks the light that algae and other photosynthetic organisms in the water need in order to make food. Thank you for your ongoing excellent science articles! Corrections? Thank you for sharing the article as well. Thank you very much for the visit, Rachel. New introductions are probably the result of improper disposal of pond plants or when ponds adjacent to local water bodies overflow with rains. In a very interesting development, researchers have discovered that it can be used as a biofuel. Thank you, Pamela. In addition, boats and other equipment should be washed after travelling through an area infested with water hyacinth. The Hyacinth bulb is a light purple or cream in color and are covered with … What a gorgeous flower! The common water hyacinth (E. crassipes) is the most widely distributed species. Women are reportedly suffering from fewer illnesses and they are making more money because they don't have to spend time looking for firewood. 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