4 species of the most dangerous invasive aquatic plants in the world

1. Eichhornia crassipes

Eichhornia crassipes

Japanese duckweed grows rapidly in water bodies, obstructing waterways, obstructing waterway traffic, affecting swimming and fishing. The developed Japanese Duckweed covers the water surface, obscures the light of algae, competes with native aquatic plants and significantly reduces biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems.

Common name: Japanese Duckweed, Luc Binh Duckweed (available in Vietnam)

2. Caulerpa taxifolia

Caulerpa taxifolia

Caulerpa seagrass is an aquatic plant introduced to the Mediterranean region around 1984, possibly in the form of sediment in the marine aquarium of the Monaco Aquarium. Caulerpa seagrass is well adapted to cold waters and has grown to cover the bottom of native seagrass species, adversely affecting many aquatic species.

Common name: Caulerpa seagrass

3. Spartina anglica

Spartina anglica

Spartina seagrass is an aquatic plant that is highly adaptable, grows well in coastal areas and spreads very quickly. They invade the swamp areas where many invertebrates are food of shallow birds and waterfowl, encroach on diverse native plant communities and facilitate encroachment on agricultural production, causing destruction of Coastal salt marsh habitat.

Common name: Spartina seagrass

4. Undaria pinnatifida

Undaria pinnatifida

Undaria originated from Japan, where they were grown as food for humans. Kelp Undaria spread mainly by clinging to the hull. Undaria grow up to form dense clusters like forests, compete for light and shelter, leading to destruction or replacement of native plants and animals.

Common name: Kelp Undaria

(The species on this list are chosen to illustrate the harmful effects of invasive organisms. The species that are not on the list do not mean less dangerous.)