Pistia stratiotes

Pistia stratiotes 

Biggest Plant Dictionary | Pistia stratiotes | Rivers (2002) notes that for P. stratiotes to survive, it requires a wet, temperate habitat. It is usually found in lakes and rivers, however, it can survive in mud.

Pistia stratiotes stratiotes can endure temperature extremes of 15� C (59� F) and 35� C (95�). The optimal growth temperature range for the plant is 22-30� C (72-86� F). P. stratiotes prefers slightly acidic waters (6.5 - 7.2 pH) and moderate hardness (5 - 20 KH).

Pistia stratiotes 

Scientific classification

Kingdom :Plantae
(unranked) :Angiosperms
(unranked) :Monocots
Order :Alismatales
Family :Araceae
Subfamily :Aroideae
Tribe :Pistieae
Genus :Pistia L.
Species :P. stratiotes

Pistia stratiotes 

Pistia is a genus of aquatic plant in the family Araceae, comprising a single species, Pistia stratiotes, often called water cabbage or water lettuce or Nile cabbage. Its native distribution is uncertain, but probably pantropical; it was first described from the Nile near Lake Victoria in Africa. It is now present, either naturally or through human introduction, in nearly all tropical and subtropical fresh waterways.

The growth habit can make it a weed in waterways. It is a common aquatic weed in the United States, particularly in Florida where it may clog waterways. It has the potential to reduce the biodiversity of a waterway. Mats of Pistia block gas exchange at the air-water interface, reducing the oxygen in the water and killing fish. They also block light, killing native submerged plants, and alter immersed plant communities by crushing them.

Pistia can be controlled by mechanical harvesters that remove the water lettuce from the water and transport it to disposal on shore. Aquatic herbicides may also be used. Two insects are also being used as a biological control. Adults and larvae of the South American weevil Neohydronomous affinis feed on Pistia leaves, and the larvae of moth Spodoptera pectinicornis from Thailand. Both are proving to be useful tools in the management of Pistia.

Pistia stratiotes 

SEM image of basket-like structures on surface of leaf. Water lettuce is often used in tropical aquariums to provide cover for fry and small fish. It is also helpful as it outcompetes algae for nutrients in the water, thereby preventing massive algal blooms.