Read the below fact sheet on Water Hyacinth to complete your table
Click here to download the above file | |
File Size: | 430 kb |
File Type: |
Originally introduced to Australia as an aquatic ornamental plant, water hyacinth has become a major pest of rivers and dams. Not only does it destroy native habitats, but it also seriously depletes water bodies of oxygen, increases water loss and provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Originally from Brazil, water hyacinth was introduced to the Brisbane metropolitan area as an ornamental pond specimen in the early 1900s. Valued for its floral presentation, it was released into ponds and lagoons in public parks throughout Queensland. Flooding then spread the plant into creeks, rivers and dams where, having no natural predators, it flourished and quickly became a nuisance. Rampant (quick) growth of water hyacinth can destroy native wetlands and waterways, killing native fish and other wildlife. Water hyacinth can form dense mats that spread out across water surfaces eventually choking the entire water body. Propagation can be so rapid that an infestation may double in size every week under ideal conditions. Water hyacinth can spread rapidly through the waterways of catchments. It is particularly important that infestations are prevented from entering the Murray-Darling system where an infestation could easily spread into three southern states. Heavy infestations can affect water bodies in a number of ways:
|
Control Measures
(Source: www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au) |