Invasive Plants Case Study

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Invasive Plant Species in the Philippines 1) Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) Descriptive Summary The Water Hyacinth is a plant native to South America. In the Philippines, it is sometimes referred to as the water lily. This plant often grows in aquatic habitats within tropical/ sub-tropical areas and is often used as ornaments in water gardens. It is also used as a plant which can control or at the very least decrease the amount of pollution in aquatic communities. Invasive Summary However, it is also considered one of the most problematic aquatic plants. This is because, the water hyacinth simply grows too quickly. This rapid growth causes the formation of floating water hyacinth carpets which in turn clogs waterways. This in turn weakens …show more content…

This is because it requires the physical removal of the plant. While this method causes the least harm to the environment, it takes the longest time and requires the most manpower out of all the three methods. 1) Water Lettuce (Pistia Stratiotes) Description Summary Similar to the Water Hyacinth, the Water Lettuce is a plant that grows in aquatic habitats within tropical/ sub-tropical environments. It is also a plant which is used to decrease the pollution in a water body. In addition, it possesses some therapeutic properties. Invasive Summary Despite having some positive qualities, the Water Lettuce is also an invasive plant which causes harm in many aquatic communities. This is because, like the Water Hyacinth, the Water Lettuce grows quickly and consumes a lot of space. This rapid growth causes the Water Lettuce to cover the top layer of lakes and other water bodies. This in turn, causes harm to sub-merge plants (due to lack of light) and causes an increase in mosquito production. However, according to a study conducted in Gainesville, Florida, the Water Lettuce is less invasive and is less potentially harmful to an aquatic community as compared to the Water

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