Brazilian Waterweed
Egeria densa
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Jackie Waple
Jackie Waple
Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
Introduction
Introduction
Brazilian waterweed is an invasive species found in freshwater ecosystems across the United States, including North Carolina. It is endemic to South American waters and is nearly indistinguishable from another invasive freshwater plant called Hydrilla. In fact, the only way it can be distinguished is by using a handlense or microscope to examine leaf serration.
The Brazilian waterweed invades ponds, lakes, and ditches and forms dense mats which push native plant species out. It was introduced into the United States in the late 1800s as a decorative aquarium plant. It quickly invaded the natural waterways when aquarium owners would dump its contents.
Virginia Tech Weed Identification Guide , Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org
Ann Murray, University of Florida, Bugwood.org
Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org
Egeria densa
Egeria densa
Common Names: Brazilian waterweed, dense waterweed, Brazilian elodea
Common Names: Brazilian waterweed, dense waterweed, Brazilian elodea
Kingdom Plantae
Division Tracheophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Alismatales
Family Hydrocharitaceae
Genus Egeria
Species Egeria densa
Niche and Habitat
Niche and Habitat
Brazilian waterweed is a submerged freshwater perennial herb. It typically roots itself on the bottom of whatever body of water it's dwelling in and can do so in depths of up to 20 feet. It's also known to float freely in large mats. the waterweed thrives in stagnant or slow-moving freshwater habitats of any kind.
It propagates itself through vegetative reproduction.
Evolutionary History
Evolutionary History
This plant is best suited for warm waters, but is able to thrive in much colder conditions like those of the northern United States. It can exist in low CO2 levels, a wide range of temperatures, and it needs little light. It's ability to reproduce vegitatively without a female plant present has also contributed to its proliferation throughout habitats which are not endemic to it.
Environmental Impacts
Environmental Impacts
The ability of Brazilian waterweed to form massive mats and push out native plant species is perhaps its most environmentally detrimental impact. It may also trap sediment, alter water quality, and in severe cases it can affect recreational activities in its body of water.
http://www.eddmaps.org/
Conservation
Conservation
As this is an invasive species, it's important that the public becomes aware of what it is and how it harms freshwater ecosystems. This is vital because it is still being sold as an aquarium plant, and people still dump their aquarium water into local bodies of water. Because of the resiliant nature of this plant, it will likely thrive in these waters.
Friends or Foes?
Friends or Foes?
The Brazilian waterweed has a tendency to push endemic species out of their habitat by sheer force. The large mats that are formed when the plants come together can limit the amount of sunlight that gets into the water and push out any plant species in its path.
Web Resources for Audience to Explore
Web Resources for Audience to Explore
List more than 5 supporting web sites (provide a brief summary for each one)
List more than 5 supporting web sites (provide a brief summary for each one)
The Chesapeake Bay Program is a wonderful resource to learn about not only the Brazilian waterweed, but about ways to take action in protecting our waterways.
US Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish & Aquatic Conservation: if you are interested in learning about other aquatic invasive species this is the perfect resource for you to explore! Also consider looking at the USDA invasive aquatic plants page
This resource gives an overview of the Brazilian waterweed and includes a graphic that explains how to differentiate it from a hydrilla.
Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health has a very comprehensive list of invasive aquatic plants if you wish to continue to explore them!
Resources
Resources
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/greatlakes/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=10&Potential=Y&Type=2&HUCNumber=
https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=3019
https://www.chesapeakebay.net/S=0/fieldguide/critter/brazilian_waterweed
https://www.fws.gov/fisheries/ANS/erss/highrisk/ERSS-Egeria-densa-FINAL.pdf
https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/flora/species_account.php?id=3342
http://www.tbep.org/isteachersguide/PDF/BrazilianWaterweed.pdf
When applicable add your google docs lesson plan here.
When applicable add your google docs lesson plan here.
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