Common water-hyacinth

Water hyacinth is an invasive plant species that once introduced to a new region it quickly establishes and spreads, competing against native plants. In areas this plants spreads, water quality and wildlife habitat can be greatly affected, reducing dissolved oxygen levels under mats by an order of magnitude and covering the water surface with an impenetrable barrier. The dense surface mats these plants can create shade out desirable submersed aquatic plants and create a safe breeding environment for mosquitoes.