Distribution: Tropical and sub-tropical America
Naturalised in most tropical parts of the world by introduction.
For those that would like to produce a floating plant worthy of exhibiting then this is the plant for you. This plant when reaching exhibiting standard would need a surface area of 450mm X 450mm ( 18x18) and a minimum of 300mm (12" ) depth of water. The water hyacinth is most spectacular when in bloom with unusual form of blue flower, unfortunately the flower is only at its best for one day
The foliage grows in rosettes. Bright shinny green leafs with petioles swollen into light pithy buoyant ovals supporting the plant at the water surface, an added feature is the root system being long and fine of dark purple in colour the roots are invaluable as refuge for fry and two of these plants with good
overhead lighting in a 60Omm (21) make an ideal aquarist fry spawning all forms of characins or barbs.
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