What is salvinia cucullata?

Salvinia cucullata is an aquatic fern that is native to South America. It is also widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific. It is a free-floating plant with small leaves that are arranged in pairs along the stem. The leaves are covered with white hairs or trichomes, which allow them to trap air and float on the surface of the water.

Salvinia cucullata is considered an invasive species in many regions of the world, including North America, where it can form dense mats on the surface of freshwater bodies such as lakes, ponds, and rivers. These mats can block sunlight from reaching the water, which can harm other aquatic plants and animals. Salvinia cucullata is able to reproduce quickly, with individual plants growing up to 2 centimeters per day.

Efforts are being made to control the spread of salvinia cucullata, including the use of herbicides and biological control methods. One potential biological control agent is the weevil Cyrtobagous salviniae, which feeds on the plant and can reduce its growth and spread.