Water Hyacinth Topics
The Water Hyacinth Research Network provides in-depth, evidence-based articles on Eichhornia crassipes — from its fundamental biology and reproductive strategies to its ecological impacts and the mechanical, chemical, and biological methods used to manage it. Select a topic below to explore the current scientific understanding.
What Is Water Hyacinth?
A comprehensive introduction to Eichhornia crassipes, its origins, significance, and why it is considered one of the world's most problematic aquatic invasive species.
Ecological Impact of Water Hyacinth
How dense water hyacinth infestations alter freshwater ecosystems by depleting oxygen, blocking light, displacing native species, and disrupting food webs.
Biology of Water Hyacinth
The plant anatomy, buoyancy adaptations, root morphology, floral biology, and physiology that underpin the invasive success of water hyacinth.
Reproduction and Spread
Vegetative fragmentation, stolon-driven clonal growth, seed bank persistence, and the dispersal pathways that enable rapid colonization of new water bodies.
Mechanical Control
Harvesting systems, manual removal techniques, biomass disposal challenges, and the operational constraints of physically removing water hyacinth.
Chemical Control
Aquatic herbicide options, application timing, selectivity considerations, environmental safety, and regulatory frameworks for chemical management.
Biological Control
The use of host-specific weevils, moths, and fungal pathogens from the plant's native range to achieve sustained, long-term population suppression.
Global Distribution
The native range, introduction history, current worldwide distribution, and the climatic and anthropogenic factors driving water hyacinth invasion across continents.