Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

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Pontederiaceae
Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solma.
(Syn: Pontederia crassipes Mart.)
English name: Water Hyacinth.
Local name: Naagin wal.
Description:
A 30-50 cm high aquatic herb, with short stem and many long fibrous roots, the lilac
flowers are a beautiful sight during the flowering season, difficult to eradicate due to
its quick growth. It has become troublesome weed in Sindh and Punjab, propagates
by stolons and multiplying very fast.
Flowering Period:
May to July.
Habitat:
Found in lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams and canals.
Uses:
Plant is rich in potash. The plant have excellent potential
for bio-fuel. One hectare of standing crop can thus
3
produce more than 70,000 m biogas. It is a best water
treatment plant can absorb pollutant form the polluted
water. The flowers are used to medicate skin of horses.
Distribution:
Native to Brazil. Introduced and naturalized in many
tropical countries. A notorious invasive species in water
bodies of many tropical and subtropical countries.