Salvinia
Salvinia molesta
Salvinia
Other Common name: Kariba weed
Description
Salvinia is a perennial aquatic fern that forms floating mats on still waters and swamps. It has crowded brown-green leaves up to 4 cm long that are folded across the midrib. The upper surfaces of the leaves are densely covered in strongly water-resistant hairs. Finely dissected, submerged root-like structures hang down into the water, often with chains of small round spore-bearing organs.
Impact
Salvinia quickly forms extensive mats, completely smothering waterways and badly affecting water quality. It can double in area within 10 days. The mats kill off native plants, attract breeding mosquitoes, block dams and irrigation systems, remove oxygen from the water and create a drowning risk for people and animals.
What to do
All sightings must be reported to MAF Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66.
Please also see the salvinia fact sheet 
(332 KB).
Page last updated: 19 August 2009