Plant

Water hyacinth

Pontederia crassipes

Water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes)

Invasive summary

A floating aquatic plant that forms dense mats in warm freshwater systems.

Known impacts

Blocks waterways, reduces oxygen, disrupts fisheries, and affects irrigation and transport.

Management notes

Management usually combines mechanical removal, biological control, and nutrient reduction.

Native range

Amazon basin

Regions where reported

  • KE - 1 public point