A floating herb native to Brasil and other South American countries, which introduced and naturalized in
tropical African and Asian countries including Sri Lanka. It was introduced to Sri Lanka in 1905 as an ornamental plant and
now a common invasive plant in most water bodies such as tanks, canals, ponds etc of lowland dry and intermediate parts of the island . Propagated mainly by runners (stolons) which produced new plants.
Just my observation; why is there an over representation of plants from south america among our invasive flora? same conditions facilitating growth ?
ReplyDeletePatalee
ReplyDeleteI also don't know exact reason. But I guess similar tropical climatic condition and beautiful flowers that attracted floriculturist to bring them to the country are the reasons. According to available literature most of those South american plants were brought to here by Peradeniya botanical garden authorities.