Water Lettuce

Catalogue Type

Weed Catalogue

Scientific Name

Pistia stratiotes L.

Family

Araceae

Distinguishing Characters

seeds germinate while submerged; survives extended
periods in unfl ooded conditions; cold-sensitive,
so not usually found in temperate regions

Photo of Weed

Description

Found in: lowland Establishment method: TP > WS
Growth habit: floating stoloniferous herb, sometimes
rooting; about 0.1 m Moisture: aquatic—flooded to moist
Competitiveness: probably low Seed contaminant: unlikely
Cultural control: drainage; physical removal Reported resistance: none
Life cycle: perennial Method(s) of reproduction: plantlets and seeds
Maturity time: stolons by 5- to 6-leaf stage; maturity at 120 d
Dormancy: yes, seems to require long submergence period
Elevation: up to 1,000 m Light: sunny