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The Water Hyacinth
The water
hyacinth originally came from the Amazon basin in
South America. Today it is a serious pest in North America,
tropical Africa and South East Asia. This plant was accidentally
introduced by humans to these regions and it grew rapidly in the
rivers and lakes. In certain parts of tropical Africa, transport
by river boat has become impossible because this water weed has
completely blocked whole river systems.
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Map showing the
progression of the water hyacinth indicating the dates which humans
introduced the plant. |
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©
Paul Billiet, Shirley Burchill, Alan Damon and
Deborah James 2009 |
The Open Door Web Site
