Water Hyacinth Facts

What are they?

Water Hyacinth are the only large aquatic

herbs that can float on the water unattached to

the bottom.

Water Hyacinth has special adaptations that help it to survive and thrive in its habitat.

Water Hyacinth can multiply very fast and cover reservoirs and rivers.

Did you know?

Waxy Leaves

Waxy leaves ensure that the water hyacinth plant is not weighed down by heavy downpours.

See what happens when you drop some water on the leaves.

Thick Fibrous Roots

The thick fibrous roots trap air an enable the water hyacinth to float in the water.

Spongy Leaf Stalks

Spongy leaf stalks contain air spaces that allow the plant to float.

Air spaces in the leaf stalk

Fact Sheet

Main features: Floating freshwater plant.

Leaves: Inflated hollow leaf stalk with a

round waxy green leaf.

Flowers: Clusters, light purple, 6-lobed.

Fruits: Capsule with seeds.

Status in Singapore: Introduced.

World distribution: Native to South America.

Classification: Family Pontederiaceae.

Best Conditions for Water Hyacinth Growth

� warm temperatures of 28°C to 30 °C

� neutral pH

� high light intensities

What is pH?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/science/chemical_material_behaviour/acids_bases_metals/revision/4/