Q. Water hyacinth is a free floating weed, which infests an estimated 200,000 hectares of the India’s waterways, choking off plant, fish, and animal growth. This weed was introduced in India before 1900 from which of the following regions?
Answer: South America
Notes: Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a free-floating aquatic plant that was introduced to India from South America before 1900. The plant was brought to India as an ornamental plant during the British colonial rule. The wife of the first British Governor-General, Lady Hastings, was captivated by the beauty of the flowers and brought them to India.
Water hyacinth is native to the Amazon basin in South America. It is a fast-growing weed that spreads quickly through its stem, called runners. It can rise above the water's surface by up to 3 ft.
Water hyacinth is an aggressive invasive plant that has spread to more than 50 countries. It has infested an estimated 200,000 hectares of India's waterways, choking off plant, fish, and animal growth. It has affected fish the most by depleting oxygen in the water.
The spread of invasive alien species is difficult to manage and reverse. It threatens biodiversity, economic development, and human wellbeing.
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