Giant Salvinia
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Scientific Name
Salvinia molesta - Visit ITIS for full scientific classification.
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Description
Giant salvinia close-up in mat. D.W. Kratville. © 2005 Regents, University of California
Giant salvinia "egg-beater" hairs close-up. Courtesy USGS © 2005 Regents, University of California- Floating mats, no flowers (fern), leaf tops fuzzy with tiny, egg-beater shaped hairs.
- In open water, leaves are oval, flat, 1/3" to 1/2"wide.
- When in dense mats, leaves are 2-lobed, folded, crowded and are 1" to 2 1/2" wide if unfolded to examine.
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Habitat
- Still or slow-moving, warm, freshwater habitats with high nutrient levels.
- Tolerates low salinity and occasional frost.
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Invasion Pathways and Distribution
- Introduced from tropical South America.
- Found worldwide in tropical areas.
- Can be used to remove excess nutrients and other pollution from water and, when dried, as mulch.
- It is spread by wind, water motion, floods, boating, fishing and discarding plants from ponds and aquariums into waterways.
- In California it occurs along the Colorado River, in canals in Riverside and Imperial Counties, and in San Luis Obispo County.
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Life History
- This aquatic fern rarely produces spores.
- Instead, it breaks into pieces of stem that spread vegetatively.
- It can double its biomass in 2-3 days when conditions are right.
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Impacts
- Dense mats up to 20" thick cover open water, outcompete native plants and animals, increase stagnation and risks of flooding, reduce water quality, and interfere with navigation and recreation.
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References and Useful Links
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