Salvinia molesta, a South American native
that became the dreaded "Kariba
weed" of Africa, Australia, Asia and the South Pacific, has arrived in the U.S., as seen in this
photo
of the Toledo Bend Reservoir on the border of Texas and Louisiana. (Photo courtesy of Jim
Hyde, Sabine River Authority.)
Salvinia molesta, a floating fern that reportedly can out-compete the growth of water
hyacinths, grows so densely that oxygen and light cannot get into the water body it covers, thus
harming all plants and animals beneath them.
Managers, regulators and others responsible for the health of our aquatic ecosystems,
should take this threat very seriously. Please report suspected occurrences to Ms. Colette
Jacono, Biologist with the Nonindigenous
Aquatic Species (NAS) Information
Service of the U.S. Geological Survey. Go to the NAS web site for the latest reports and
updated distribution maps. The site includes much more information about Salvinia
molesta including downloadable brochures and flyers, pictures and distribution maps.
Here are other pics of Salvinia molesta, taken by Kelly Duffie in Texas.
