Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

Salviniaceae
Salvinia molesta Mitchell.
English name: Giant Salvinia, Kariba weed.
Local name: Be-phrh, Jaaru.
Description:
Annual to perennial; free-floating in wide variety of aquatic habitats, the main stem
fragments easily, upper surface of leaf covered with typical water- repellent hair. It is
one of the most dreaded aquatic invasive species of the world, which forms thick
mats on the surface of water bodies, thus out-competing the native flora and
asphyxiating the aquatic animals.
Habitat:
Hydrophytic. Grows best in high nutrient levels, in quiet water lakes and ponds,
ditches, slow flowing streams and rivers and reservoirs of dams.
Uses:
The plant can be used as raw material for biogas
Production;it is also used in aquarium.
Distribution:
Native to Southeastern Brazil, but now widespread in
many Tropical and temperate countries.
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