Hydrilla
Hydrilla is a fresh water plant. This plant grows to the surface of the water from a depth as great as 20 feet. This very standard water plant can be found in all types of water: rivers, lakes, fens, springs and the like. This water flora can flourish in water that is very shallow or up to 20 feet deep. This plant can grow in oligotrophic (low nutrient) to eutrophic (high nutrient) conditions in water.
The tolerance temperature level of a Hydrilla is 20o C to 27o C; thus, it cannot stand harsh climates. The Hydrilla has thick branches that spread out upon getting to the surface, molding mats. The Hydrilla can have underwater stems that reach up to 25 feet in length. in general off-white or yellowish in color. | The roots or Rhizomes of the Hydrilla are oftentimes yellow or off-white in color. } The Hydrilla has a number of choices when it comes time to multiply. When it is time to reproduce the Hydrilla accomplishes this in one of four ways: fragmentation, seeds, tubers and turions (auxiliary buds).
The Hydrilla has many positives on its side when compared to other marine plants. The Hydrilla only needs 1% sunshine to grow. Hydrillas absorb a great deal of foods from the water leaving small for the native plants. Hydrillas are marked as a noxious pest because of their fast growth rate that makes them a threat to other indigenous plants. The greatest danger of Hydrilla is that it can grow out of control and undetected until it pops out at the surface at the last minute. Hydrillas will often choke out native marine floras because they take up so much surface area absorbing the sunshine and foods.
Each year, millions are spent on herbicides and harvesting all in an effort to control the growth and spread of Hydrilla. Individuals can’t fish in areas where Hydrilla is found because it so adversely effects the other flora life in the area. Slowed water flow and clogged up irrigation or flood control ducts are as a result of Hydrilla over growth. Bathing, yachting, and fishing all are seriously affected by it. Oxygen levels in waters full of Hydrilla can oftentimes drop seriously.
Elodea and Egeria are frequently confused for Hydrilla. The marine floras Elodea and Egeria are oftentimes thought to be Hydrilla. In the case of a Hydrilla, there is one or more teeth located at the underside of the midrib. But for Elodea and Egeria, this is not present. Because of the teeth, Hydrilla will feel rough. Hydrilla will feel rough due to the presence of the teeth on the underside of the flora. The flowers the Egeria produce are also larger than the Hydrilla.
Hydrilla is consumed by macro and micro invertebrates. Species like ducks, fish, amphibians and reptilians will consume the decayed remains of the micro and macro organisms that fed on the Hydrilla. When Hydrilla dies naturally, they are rotted by bacteria and fungi and the end result is “detritus” a food for numerous marine invertebrates. Ducks frequently eat Hydrilla turions and tubers, but this is not a substantial source of food. Ducks will often feed on the tubers and turions of Hydrilla, but they don’t make a great diet.
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