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.
Lake Hygrophila, Hygrophila costata, is an aquatic plant that is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. H. costata was introduced to eastern Australia, reportedly via the aquarium trade, where it has been established since the 1990s. Although several sources indicate potential adverse ecological effects from these introductions, verified impacts are currently lacking in the scientific literature. H. costata is in trade as an ornamental plant but specifics regarding quantity and duration of trade were not found. The history of invasiveness is thus classified as Data Deficient. The overall Climate 6 score for the contiguous United States was High, with high matches found throughout the Southeast where the plant is native. The certainty of this assessment is Low due to a lack of information regarding the impacts of introductions. The overall risk assessment category is Uncertain.
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Uncertain Risk
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