Originally introduced to Australia as an aquatic ornamental
plant, water hyacinth has become a major pest of rivers
and dams. Not only does it destroy native habitats, but it
also seriously depletes water bodies of oxygen, increases
water loss and provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Rampant growth of water hyacinth can destroy native
wetlands and waterways, killing native fish and
other wildlife.
Water hyacinth can form dense mats that spread out
across water surfaces eventually choking the entire water
body. Propagation can be so rapid that an infestation may
double in size every week under ideal conditions.