Hygrophila
Quick Facts |  |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Hygrophila polysperma |
| Origin | India, Malaysia |
| Introduction | Mid-1940s, aquarium trade |
| Aquatic community | Submersed, emergent |
| Habitat | Wet soils to water 15 feet deep |
| Distribution | Central / South Florida, many canals |
| Management effort | Complaint management |
| 2012 public waters / plant acres: | 28 / 210 |
Environmental and Economic Concerns
- Forms dense surface mats, especially in quiescent waters
- excludes light and oxygen penetration for native plants and animals
- hinders navigation and diminishes flood control capacity
- especially abundant and problematic in south Florida canals
- Fragile stems root at each leaf node, allowing rapid dispersal and establishment
- Expensive and extremely difficult to control
- Most infestations found in rivers or in lakes near river inflow
Hygrophila polysperma
Hygrophila polysperma
Management Options | |
|---|---|
| Biological | Extremely high rates of sterile grass carp (in canal systems) |
| Chemical | Frequent applications of various formulations / rates of copper, diquat, endothall, fluridone and 2,4-D provide marginal control |
| Mechanical | Harvest floating mats |
| Physical | Hand pulling, raking |
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Status of the Aquatic Plant Maintenance Program in Florida Public Waters, Annual Report – Fiscal Year 2009-2010.
Last updated: 13 May 2013