Pistia stratiotes
L. (Water lettuce ) |
||
|
Family: Araceae (Arum Family) Synonym(s): Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb
|
|
Description: Water lettuce is very easy to identify as it resembles a floating open head of lettuce. It may be found singly or in abundance. The leaves are light green, thick, hairy and ridged. Flowers are inconspicuous and are only seen upon close examination. History: In South and Central America, Africa and South-East Asia it is considered an endogenous species. A record in the Northern Territory of Australia from 1887, where a complement of organisms naturally regulates its population. Since P. stratiotes has not been recorded at nuisance levels in this area, it is highly possible that northern Australia is part of the plant's native range. Hwowever, there is strong evidence linking water lettuce to South America since regionally native insects have strong host associations with water lettuce. Biology & Spread: Reproduces by vegetative offshoots that are connected to the mother plant by stolons, which may be 60 cm in length, as well as by the production of seeds. Seeds germinate on the surface of bottom mud and float to the surface within 5 days. As a tropical plant Pistia does not survive freezing conditions. Though the seeds are able to survive in ice at -5oC for a few weeks, germination does not occur below 20oC. Ecological Threat: Severe infestations block light to the water ecosystem, reduce oxygen levels, increase siltation, reduce suitable fish spawning habitat and restrict water flow and boating traffic. Its infestations can create habitats favorable for the spread of water-borne diseases. It can also influence the size structure of planktonic communities, causing a shrinkage of plankton volume. US Habitat: Water lettuce invades lakes, ponds and slow moving streams in tropical, subtropical and warmer temperate regions. Distribution
Resembles/Alternatives: Management: Preventive: Do not sell, propagate, or move plants. Thoroughly clean boats and equipment before leaving infested waterways. USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL. Listing Source
Text References
Data Source
Last Updated: 2024-02-07 by Ashley Morgan-Olvera, TISI |
||
|