WATER HYACINTH

The water hyacinth, a Pontederiaceae, is a floating perennial plant that grows in the rainforests near the Mangrove swamp. The leafstalks have a rounded, spongy and hollow base that makes them float. Its roots, which resemble small feathers, hang down in the water. It grows at a surprising rate, creating enormous floating masses on the surface of lakes and still watercourses.