Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Eichhornia heterosperma (a water hyacinth, no common name) - Uncertain Risk

Species that are considered uncertain risk need a more in-depth assessment beyond the Risk Summary to better define the species’ risk to U.S. environments.

Eichhornia heterosperma is a water hyacinth native to South and Central America (Brazil, Mexico, Guyana, French Guiana, Venezuela, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panamá, Cuba, Trinidad-Tobago, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, and Suriname). E. heterosperma is being investigated for used in water purification and remediation. Eichhornia species are prohibited aquatic plants in Florida. There is no indication E. heterosperma is in trade or has been introduced outside of its native range. History of invasiveness is classified as No Known Nonnative Population. The overall climate match with the contiguous United States for E. heterosperma was medium, with high and medium matches along the coast from Texas to southern Virginia. Certainty of assessment is Low due to lack of information. The overall risk assessment category for Eichhornia heterosperma is Uncertain.