South American Spongeplant
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Scientific Name
Limnobium laevigatum - Visit ITIS for full scientific classification.
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Description
South American Spongeplant leaves close-up. D.W. Kratville. © 2005 Regents, University of California
South America Spongeplant. D.W. Kratville. © 2005 Regents, University of California- Floating waterweed, forms clumps or mats up to 20" high.
- May root in mud.
- Single or pairs of white flowers about 1/2" diameter and about 1/3 as long as leaves are found at water surface.
- Leaves smooth and round to oval with "spongy" patch of tissue on underside.
- Petioles swollen and provide flotation when plants are crowded.
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Habitat
- Warm, freshwater habitats.
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Invasion Pathways and Distribution
- Possibly introduced as an ornamental aquarium plant.
- Found mostly in temperate zone of Northern Hemisphere, but also in subtropical and tropical areas.
- Occurs in central-western California, San Joaquin Valley, southern Sacramento Valley and Lake Tahoe.
- Spread by stem pieces carried by boating and fishing activities, on feet of water fowl and mechanical harvesting intended to control it, or discarded from aquariums and ponds.
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Life History
- Spreads rapidly by seeds and stolons (a type of stem) that spread and produce new plants.
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Impacts
- Dense mats cover large area of open water, interfering with navigation, fish, recreation, water flow, water pumping and delivery.
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References and Useful Links
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