Kariba weed

Description

Salvinia molesta, also known as Kariba weed, is related to S. auriculata and may have resulted from hybridization of various South American Salvinia species in the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro. It has been introduced globally through human activities and is often considered an invasive aquatic weed. Tropical S. molesta and possibly S. auriculata are sometimes sold as aquarium or pond plants under the incorrect name Salvinia natans, which is actually a distinct species native to Europe and Asia, not available in trade. S. natans can be found in Central Europe in nutrient-rich waters like cut-off river meanders, but it's highly endangered and protected by law, such as in Germany. Salvinia molesta, along with other forms of the group, has a hairy leaf surface featuring egg-whisk-like hairs visible under magnification, distinguishing it from other floating ferns like S. minima and true S. natans.