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Salvinia molesta D. S. Mitch. (ITIS)
Giant salvinia, kariba-weed
Brazil (McFarland et al. 2004)
1990s (McFarland et al. 2004)
Horticultural trade (McFarland et al. 2004)
Forms dense mats that block sunlight and reduce oxygen levels (McFarland et al. 2004)
Spotlights
USDA. ARS. Tellus.
In parts of the South, there are stories about an invasive floating weed, which forms such a dense mass that it enables small animals to walk across water. This weed, called giant salvinia, is an exotic fern from South America that invades ponds, lakes, and other waterways in the United States. It damages aquatic ecosystems by outgrowing and replacing native plants that provide food and habitat for native animals and waterfowl.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are testing a naturally occurring fungus (Myrothecium spp.) against giant salvinia to help control it. Initial tests have found that the fungus stops this problematic weed from growing and even can kill it.
Distribution / Maps / Survey Status
Federally Regulated
Includes species listed as a Federal Noxious Weed under the Plant Protection Act, which makes it illegal in the U.S. to import or transport between States without a permit.
Images
Videos
Selected Resources
The section below contains highly relevant resources for this species, organized by source. Or, to display all related content view all resources for Giant Salvinia.
Council or Task Force
Partnership
USDA. APHIS. PPQ. Center for Plant Health Science and Technology; California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Galveston Bay Estuary Program; Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC).
Centre for Invasive Species Solutions; Atlas of Living Australia; Australian Government. Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
Federal Government
USDA. ARS. National Genetic Resources Program. GRIN-Global.
International Government
State and Local Government
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Colorado Department of Agriculture. Conservation Services Division. Noxious Weed Program.
Academic
University of Florida. IFAS. Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.
Professional
Citations
Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Salvinia molesta. [Accessed Sep 10, 2014].
- McFarland, D.G., L.S. Nelson, M.J. Grodowitz, R.M. Smart, and C.S. Owens. 2004. Salvinia molesta D. S. Mitchell (Giant Salvinia) in the United States: A review of species ecology and approaches to management (ERDC/EL SR-04-2) Jacksonville, Fla.: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Aquatic Plant Control Research Program.