eared salvinia USDA PLANTS Symbol: SAAU
U.S. Nativity: Exotic
Habit: Aquatic Plants Forbs/Herbs
Salvinia auriculata Aublet
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Taxonomic Rank: Filicopsida: Hydropteridales: Salviniaceae
Synonym(s): eared watermoss
Appearance
Giant salvinias are a group of free floating ferns native to South America. Species include Salvinia molesta, S. auriculata, S. biloba and S. herzogii. They have been spread to the tropics and subtropics, moved in part by the trade in ornamental plants for fish tanks and ponds. Each plant has an internode, a node, a pair of floating leaves, the submerged or root, and associated buds. The root is actually a modified leaf that looks and functions like a root.
Foliage
Giant salvinias have a horizontal rhizome just beneath the water surface. On the abaxial leaf surface are hairs that are divided but joined at the tips of the hairs. These hairs have an egg-beater-like appearance.
Reproduction
Giants salvinias reproduce by buds, both apical and axillary.
Ecological Threat
Giant salvinia forms dense mats over lakes and slow moving rivers and causes large economic losses and a wide range of ecological problems to native species and communities. It can impede access to and use of waterways for commercial and recreational purposes. Mats of giant salvinia can reduce habitats for game birds and limit access to fishing areas. Salvinia can clog water intake pipes and interfere with agricultural irrigation and water supply.
Identification, Biology, Control and Management Resources
Selected Images from Invasive.orgView All Images at Invasive.org


Plant(s); Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 1: 38.
USDA NRCS PLANTS Database , USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
EDDMapS Distribution:
This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts and records obtained from USDA Plants Database. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org 		 


State List
This map identifies those states that list this species on their invasive species list or law.

Invasive Listing Sources: