Pontederia crassipes

Biological Overview

Habitat
Thrives in warm, shallow freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, rivers, and ditches.

Diet
Producer

Role in Ecosystem
Primary producer

Behavior
The behavior of water hyacinth is primarily defined by its growth and resource-heavy consumption.

Human Impact

Human activities have a dual relationship with the water hyacinth: we are the primary drivers of its global spread, but we also suffer the most from its invasive growth and have developed ways to utilize its unique biology.

Creative Exploration

A single gift at a world’s fair,
Became a green tide in the stream.
Lavender flowers turned to a snare,
Choking the river and a dream.

McKayla McCurdy, Samantha Dover

Book 6