GIANT SALVINIA

GIANT SALVINIA’S SCIENTIFIC NAME

• Giant salvinia’s scientific name is Salvinia molesta

WHERE GIANT SALVINIA COMES FROM

• It originated in south-eastern Brazil
• Grows on surface of water

HOW GIANT SALVINIA SPREAD

• It spreads by human transportation as an aquatic plant for fish tanks.
• Doubles in size in 4-10 days

EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEM

• Blocks out sunlight
• Decreases oxygen levels
• Increases mosquito population

REASONS FOR SUCCESS

• Only Predator of Giant Salvinia is not native to the areas where it has spread
• Needs little space to grow then flourishes
• Needs sunlight, oxygen, and nutrients from the water

PROBLEMS/ISSUES

• Can clog waterways causing water shortages
• Prevents boating, fishing,and water skiing
• Prevents biodiversity in the ecosystem

BENEFITS OF GIANT SALVINIA

• Leaf anatomy led to “Salvinia effect”—> shipping industry reduce water friction
• Components extracted are effective in the control of human tumor cells

SOLUTIONS FOR THE FUTURE

• The attempts to halter the species are being done by human released weevils
• Physically raking away the species
• Herbicide usage to break down species