Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is a commonly introduced invasive weed in warm climates, but is native to South America. It grows rapidly, up to two times its dry weight in 2⁄ days, and forms …

Learn more about Common Salvinia. View plant photos, descriptions, maps, treatment options, and more.

Salvinia is native to South America. It is a small free-floating plant that grows in clusters and develops into dense, floating mats or colonies in quiet water, undisturbed by wave action.

Dec 5, 2025 · Giant salvinia grows rapidly to cover the surface of lakes and streams, spreading aggressively by vegetative fragments. It forms floating mats that shade and crowd out …

Salvinia is able to tolerate salinity levels one tenth that of seawater, allowing the weed to adapt to a wide range of benthic environments. Its growth rate decreases by 25% at a salinity level of …

Apr 14, 2025 · Discover 28 fascinating facts about Salvinia, the unique floating fern. Learn about its habitat, uses, and ecological impact.

Salvinia molesta, commonly known as giant salvinia or Kariba weed, is an aquatic fern originally from southeastern Brazil. This free-floating plant has become a highly invasive species across …

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 …

Giant salvinia, or Salvinia molesta, is a floating fern from Brazil. It was first identified in the Houston area in 1998. Later that same year, it was discovered in Toledo Bend Reservoir, …

Salvinia natans, commonly called salvinia or water fern, is a deciduous, free-floating, rootless, aquatic perennial fern that forms rapidly expanding mats of foliage (to 1” tall) on still water …