Reference - Detail
| RRC ID | 89541 |
|---|---|
| Author | Jason Roberts, Zufarzaana Zulkeflee, Emma Nikkel, David R. Clements, Singarayer Florentine |
| Title | The Biology, Ecology, Distribution and Future Management Challenges of the Invasive Species Pontederia crassipes (Water Hyacinth): A Global Review |
| Journal | Weed Research |
| Abstract |
Pontederia
(=
Eichhornia
)
crassipes
Mart (water hyacinth) is an aquatic, free‐floating, perennial plant that has been described as one of the most destructive and invasive species in the world. Whilst it is native to South America,
P. crassipes
can now be found in all habitable continents, which has been a result of its aggressive and rapid growth pattern, assisted by the global ornamental pond plant trade. Of particular concern, is that the spread of
P. crassipes
is projected to increase as a result of anthropogenic factors, climate change and inappropriate or unsuccessful management interventions. To assist in this area, this review explores the biology and ecology of
P. crassipes
with an aim of identifying the current most suitable methods of control, whilst also highlighting key areas of research that can help facilitate future management of the species. To combat its invasive habit, a range of control options have been tried, including biological, chemical and mechanical strategies, but many of these options have shown varying levels of effectiveness, particularly when used in isolation. In addition, the successful management of
P. crassipes
is largely determined by specific enabling conditions, such as (i) climatic and environmental elements, (ii) cooperation of relevant authorities and local communities, (iii) infrastructure and resource availability, (iv) national and local regulations and (v) the availability of skills and knowledge. As a result, managing
P. crassipes
requires an integrated approach and appropriate phytosanitary measures to prevent its spread and introduction to new areas, which is further discussed within this review. |
| Volume | 66 |
| Published | 2026-1-25 |
| DOI | 10.1111/wre.70058 |
| Resource | |
| GBIF | Nagoya-Plants Vascular plant specimens of Akita Prefectural Museum Vascular plants database of Atsugi City Museum Herbarium, University Archives and Collections, Fukushima University, Japan (FKSE) Vascular Plant Collection of Natural History Museum and Institute, Chiba Herbarium Specimens of Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo Pref., Japan Spermatophyta collection of Museum of Natural and Environmental History, Shizuoka Ibaraki Nature Museum, Vascular Plants collection Vascular plant specimens of National Museum of Nature and Science (TNS) Plant Specimens of Kurashiki Museum of Natural History Herbarium Specimens of Tokushima Prefectural Museum, Japan Herbarium of Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History and Human History Vascular Plants Collection of Sagamihara City Museum Plant specimens in the Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo Plant specimens deposited in Osaka Museum of Natural History, Japan Vascular Plant Specimens of Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden Vascular Plant Specimen database of Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History Gunma Museum of Natural History, Vascular Plant Specimen Vascular plants collection of Hiratsuka City Museum Plant specimens of Horaiji-san Museum of Natural History Kiichi T. collection Herbarium Specimens of Bonin and Ryukyu Islands Plant specimens of Toyota City Nature Sanctuary (from non-museum circle) Vascular plant specimens of Toyama Science Museum |