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It looks unassuming, with its glossy rounded leaves and delicate purple flowers. However, the Pontederia crassipes — known as the common water hyacinth — is actually an invasive species.
Native to South America, the water hyacinth was brought to America in 1884. Though beautiful to behold, the water hyacinth is actually an invasive plant that has the potential to crowd out native plants and congests our local waterways, hindering both fishing and boating. According to the University of Florida website, a mat of water hyacinth can double in size in only 6 to 18 days.
The Apalachicola Riverkeepers have been working to control water haycinth in the area. You can learn more about their efforts here.