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Water hyacinth
Common name:
Water hyacinthScientific name:
Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae)Alternative common names:
Nile lily (English); waterhiasint; Nyllelie; snotterbel (Afrikaans); amazibo (isiZulu)
A perennial aquatic plant, free-floating or anchored in shallow water, usually 10-20cm high but up to 1m when growing in dense mats. It has dark shiny green leaves in rosettes with distinctive, swollen, bladder-like petioles. Pale violet or blue flowers in 8-10 flowered spikes appear from November to April. This aquatic plant invades dams and slow-moving rivers.
Additional Info
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Where does this species come from?
South America.What is its invasive status in South Africa?
Existing legislation: CARA 2002 – Category 1 NEMBA – Category 1bWhere in South Africa is it a problem?
Throughout many waterways in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State and Mpumalanga. It is particularly problematic along vast stretches of the Vaal River.How does it spread?
It produces flowers and seeds, otherwise it reproduces by runners.Why is it a problem?
Forms dense mats which completely cover the water surface leading to altered water chemistry and composition at the detriment of other organisms.What does it look like?
General description: Perennial, aquatic plant, free-floating or anchored in shallow water, usually 10-20cm high but up to 1m when growing in dense mats; roots of floating plants long and feathery. Leaves: Dark shiny green occurring in rosettes with swollen, bladder-like petioles growing above the surface of the water. Flowers: Pale violet or blue, in 8-10 flowered spikes, upper petal with a prominent dark blue, yellow-centred patch. Flowers from November-April. Fruit/Seeds: Produces capsules with very fine seed.Does the plant have any uses?
Used as a fishpond or water feature ornamental.Plant me instead alternatives
White water-lily (Nymphaea lotus), blue water-lily (Nymphaea nouchali), small yellow water-lily (Nymphoides thunbergiana)
General News Updates
2019 National Symposium on Biological Invasio…
26-02-2019
This is your invitation to South Africa's 2019 National Symposium on Biological Invasions. The convention is hosted by the Centre for Invasion Biology (CIB), University of Stellenbosch, and the Biolo... Read more
2019 Invasive Species Training
22-01-2019
During the past five years (2014-2018), ISSA invasive species trainers have trained 4 000 in the identification of invasive species and laws pertaining to invasive species across South Africa. ... Read more
Alien Grass Working Group
04-09-2018
Who are we? The South African National Alien Grass Working Group was jointly initiated by the South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the Centre for Excellence in Invasion Biology (C·I·B) in... Read more
Permits for planting indigenous Cynodon?
01-03-2018
On 16 February, 2018, South Africa's Department of Environmental Affairs issued amendments to the regulations and lists relating to the National List of Invasive Species. Updates to the draft&n... Read more
Invasive species training 2018 dates released
28-02-2018
Interested in invasive species? How much do you know about NEMBA invasive species compliance for landowners and organs of state? The South African Green Industries Council (SAGIC) have released... Read more
Communications post for Africa advertised
25-01-2018
The Nature Conservancy has advertised a brand new post: Communications Manager, Africa Region. Knowledge of invasive species and water would be an asset in this post. See details below: Job Titl... Read more
Atlantis Aquifer Invasive Plant Control
The Nature Conservancy Director of Water Funds for South Africa, Louise Stafford, is inviting invasive species teams, mentors and experts to submit proposals for an invasive species clearing project in Atlantis, Western Cape. The…
Xhosa names for invasive plants
46 Xhosa names for invasive plants have been identified by the Selmar Schonland Herbarium, Rhodes University Botany Department, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. The first list of Xhosa names for plants was compiled…
Removal of invasive vegetation at Wemmershoek Dam will help City save water
"Enormous progress has been made on removing invasive alien vegetation in the catchment area around Wemmershoek Dam", says Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille, City of Cape Town. "Invasive alien vegetation around…
Invasive species clearing campaign in Jukskei Park
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo launched National Invasive Species Week initiatives on Thursday 12 October, 2017 in Juweel Park, Jukskei Park, Randburg, Gauteng. National Invasive Species Week is an awareness campaign…
Sign up for Invasive Species Training this November ...
The last two sessions of SAGIC Invasive Species legislation and herbicide applicator’s course in 2017 will take place in November. Are you interested in flora and fauna? How much do you…
