Ipomoea aquatica (vine, climber)

Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

General Impact I. aquatica forms dense floating mats of intertwined stems over water surfaces, shading out native submersed plants and competing with native emergents. It is considered the second greatest problem plant in the Philippines, where it tends to overgrow freshwater marginal areas. A common to serious weed in many areas in the tropics (Langeland K.A. & Burks K.C, 1999). Masses of tangled vegetation obstruct water flow in drainage and flood control canals. They have infested lakes, ponds, and river shorelines, displacing native plants that are important for fish and wildlife. The veins of the plant create dense impenetrable canopies over small ponds and retention basins creating stagnant water conditions that are ideal breeding environments for mosquitoes (Fears, UNDATED).          Location Specific Impacts: United States (USA)   Competition: I. aquatica outcompetes native plants by forming dense mats on the surface of water bodies. (Fears, UNDATED) Disease transmission: "The dense mats create stagnant water conditions that are ideal breeding environments for mosquitoes." (Fears, UNDATED) Fouling: "Creates impenetrable masses of tangled vegetation obstructing water flow in drainage and flood control canals." (Fears, UNDATED) Habitat alteration: Other native species of aquatic plants are often outcompeted by I. aquatica, altering the habitat and food available. Modification of hydrology: "Creates impenetrable masses of tangled vegetation obstructing water flow" according to Fears (UNDATED).