Water hyacinth are aquatic plants that float unattached on water surfaces. They have waxy leaves, thick fibrous roots, and spongy leaf stalks containing air spaces that allow them to float. These special adaptations help water hyacinth survive and multiply rapidly in freshwater habitats. The plants have inflated hollow leaf stalks bearing round green leaves and produce light purple flower clusters and capsule fruits with seeds.

1. Water Hyacinth Facts

2. What are they?
Water Hyacinth are the only large aquatic
herbs that can float on the water unattached to
the bottom.

3. 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?

4. 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.

5. Thick Fibrous Roots
The thick fibrous roots trap air an enable the water
hyacinth to float in the water.

6. Spongy Leaf Stalks
Spongy leaf stalks
contain air spaces that
allow the plant to float.
Air spaces in
the leaf stalk

7. 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.

8. Best Conditions for Water
Hyacinth Growth
 warm temperatures of 28°C to 30 °C
 neutral pH
 high light intensities
What is pH?
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