Eichhornia crassipes

Description

Eichhornia crassipes, also known as common water hyacinth, originates from the American tropics and has since spread to tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It thrives in various environments, including polluted rivers, swamps, lakes, and canals. This floating plant produces vibrant flowers and grows rapidly, often forming large populations quickly. Its striking feature is the bloated leaf stalks that form buoys to keep it afloat on the water surface. The plant reproduces by runners and has blueish-black water roots. It can be used as a floating plant in large tanks with strong lighting and high nutrient concentrations. However, it is susceptible to frost and dies off at the first frost. For optimal growth, it prefers full sun, loamy soil, and shallow warm water rich in nutrients.