Water hyacinth:

water hyacinth, any aquatic plant of the genus Eichhornia of the pickerelweed family (Pontederiaceae), consisting of about five species, native primarily to tropical America. Some species float in shallow water; others are rooted in muddy stream banks and lakeshores. Water hyacinth is a free-floating perennial aquatic plant (or hydrophyte) native to tropical and subtropical South America. With broad, thick, glossy, ovate leaves, water hyacinth may rise above the surface of the water as much as 1 m (3 ft) in height. With increasing popularity of water gardening and home ponds, water hyacinth is now sold by many western nurseries for its unusual appearance, attractive flowers and dreaded waterweed often blamed for choking water bodies and creating problems for other aquatic plants and animal inhabitants. Discover how to care for water hyacinths , from choosing the right location to pruning and harvesting. Learn expert tips on propagation, fertilization, and pest control.