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Giant salvinia, Salvinia molesta, is an aquatic fern prohibited
in the United States by Federal law. It has recently been discovered in
Toledo Bend Reservoir and in Cow Bayou.
FAMILY: Salviniaceae
ORIGIN: S. American
COMMON NAME: salvinia (kariba weed)
FORMAL NAME: Salvinia molesta
IDENTIFICATION
The common name for this plant is kariba weed though most people call
it salvinia. Kariba weed is a small floating aquatic fern forming dense
mats. Elliptic (rounded at both ends, widest in middle), often overlapping
leaves, 2.5 x 2 cm, light or brown-green and folded with upper surface
densely covered in hairs. Class A noxious plant.
HABITATS
Floating on ponds, still waters in swamps. Has been frequent in Auckland
e.g. Western Springs now eradicated. Should be watched for.
IMPACT TO BIOTA AND ECOSYSTEMS
Forms extensive dense mats seriously degrading the natural character of
a water body and shading species underneath.
DISPERSAL ROUTES, VECTORS, INFESTATION SOURCES
Fragments break off and can be transported accidentally to other waterbodies.
Has been dispersed in the past by disposal of garden pond material and
is now a noxious weed. MANAGEMENT
Physical Control - Remove plants.
Disposal - Dispose of away from waterbodies.
Chemical Control - Paraquat (Gramoxone) - see label rates. Water
right required.
NOTE: The following is a notation from Dr. Earl
W. Chilton II:
As far as I know, no one has suggested using paraquat on salvinia. The
herbicide of choice is diquat! In the interest of averting a panic I suggest
you remove paraquat from your web site. Thanks.
Dr. Earl W. Chilton II
TPWD Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Program Director
Giant Salvinia Task Force Action Plan Sub-committee-Chair
NOTE:
According to Colette Jacono, Botanist, U.S. Geological Survey, Giant Salvinia
Education Committee Chair: "Please note that Salvinia molesta is
not known to reproduce by spores. It reproduces vegetatively, that is,
new plants develop as fragments break off from mature individuals."
This note has been inserted into the original document furnished
by S.R.A. by the webmaster
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Nonindigenous Aquatic Species USGS
Nonindigenous Aquatic
Fern Resources USGS
Image
See previous bulletin on this
If you have seen this plant in Toledo Bend Reservoir, please let us know
when and where by e-mailing us at salvinia@sra.dst.tx.us.
Thank you very much.
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