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“Because this plant is an exotic aquatic fern, if not removed, it would end up in Swartvlei” says Alant.

While the BSP teams are working to remove it and even considering biological control techniques if deemed necessary, the SANParks teams will try and establish the source of the weed.

Salvinia molesta grows in slow-moving waters such as those found in lakes, ponds, streams, ditches, marshes, and rivers. It prefers nutrient-rich waters such as those found in eutrophic water or those polluted by waste water. It does not usually grow in brackish or salty waters.

The plant originated in southeast Brazil and was exported as part of the pet industry to be used in aquaria and garden ponds. From there, it escaped or was deliberately released into the wild.

Biodiversity Social Programme (BSP) team removing salvinia molesta