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Hydrilla verticillata is a underwater freshwater herb which, as an invasive non-native weed, often forms dense stands from the bottom to the top of the water, sprawling across the surface, although it may also be found as detached drifting mats.
Hydrilla once was cultured and sold as an aquarium plant but has since been discontinued. Hydrilla has major detrimental impacts on water use and adversely impacts aquatic ecosystems by forming dense canopies that often shade out native vegetation as well as adding to many other enviormental hazzards such as support few or no harvestable-sized sport fishes, creates dense mats that alter water quality by raising pH, decreasing oxygen under the mats, and increasing temperature. Stagnant water created by hydrilla mats provides good breeding grounds for mosquitoes. It interferes with recreational activities such as swimming, boating, fishing and water skiing. Hydrilla has the potential to impact power generation and irrigation by clogging dam trash racks and intake pipes...
Because of accidental release and subsequent serious enviormental damage, many states and localities will no longer allow the sale of this plant.
Last edited by TheEssigs; December 1st, 2007 at 11:02 PM.
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