Water Hyacinth

Water Hyacinth

[Eichhornia crassipes]

Family
Pontederiaceae

Height
Up to 1 meter above the water surface

Location and climate
Lakes and rivers ( fresh water)

Pollination
Bees

The water hyacinth is a very invasive species and will cover lakes, block the sunlight causing lack of oxygen and dead fish in the river if not harvested regularly.

It is prohibited to cultivate water hyacinth in Europe for the same reason.

In the USA and Africa an insect from Argentina called Megamelus Scutellaris has been imported in order to keep the amount of water hyacinth down. So far there are good results without interfering other eco systems.

Usage
Baskets, furniture, bean bag chairs, wallets, bags, cases for sunglasses, lamp shades, mats and carpets.

The water hyacinth holds a good ability to absorb heavy metals and is therefore useful when cleaning industrial waste water.

Water hyacinth can be used exactly as harvested when dried. It takes no further processing.