Species name (scientific) | Eichornia crassipes (Mart. Solms) |
Species name (English) | Water hyacinth |
Class | Liliopsida |
Family | Pontederiaceae |
Genus | Eichornia |
Impacts |
The remnants of water hyacinth flow from Asi (Orontes) River after rains, move to the dunes of Samandag to create organic-matter pollution, and pose risks to young green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) preventing them getting to the sea after hatching. |
Natural Range |
Tropical South America |
Introduction Pathway |
By natural dipersal, from Lebanon over Syria to Asi (Orontes) River in Turkey. |
Range in Turkey |
As a decorative plant, it has penetrated more than 50 countries on 5 continents since the late 19th Century. It was first spotted in Turkey in 1989 at a botanical garden in Izmir. It arrived in Turkey through Syria and Asi (Orontes) River, and now occurs in Altınözü, Hatay. |