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Plant Biodiversity Conservatory and Research Core

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Accession Data:

Salvinia molesta D.Mitch.

  • Common Name: Giant Salvinia
  • Family: Salviniaceae Reichb.
  • Synonym(s): Salvinia adnata Desv.

  • Country of Origin: obscure, presumably southern America
  • Habitat: floating aquatic fern

  • Description: Syn. Salvinia molesta

    A free-floating aquatic fern, this has become a serious pest in the inland waters of many tropical countries. Originally a native of S America, it is now widespread and infestation is reported in Sri Lanka, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Zaire, Botswana, India, Austalia, Kenya, Indonesia and Thailand.

  • Uses: Shown to be an effective antibacterial for bovine mastitis. Also shows promise as a fiber plant for paper making and as a forage plant for animals. Has been shown to be an effective tool in phytoremediation and waste water decontamination.

    From Philippine Alternative Medicine

    • IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.

Accession Data:

  • Accession # 198501202
  • Source: Unknown
  • Accession Date: 12-31-1985
  • Bench: 6905 - Array 1, Tank 5
    • Currently: active - healthy
    • Qty: 1 confirmed on 10-04-2023
  • Restrictions:
    • BGCI Limited Ex Situ Distribution - Plants do not leave building without Manager approval!
    • Federally Listed Noxious Weed - Plants are not to leave Greenhouse!

Classification:

  • Division: Ferns
  • Class: Polypodiopsida
  • SubClass: Polypodiidae
  • Order: Salviniales
  • SubOrder:
  • Family: Salviniaceae
  • SubFamily:
  • Tribe:
  • SubTribe:

References (internal):

  • Medicinal Plants
  • Ferns & Fern Allies
  • Aquatic Plants
  • Acropleustophyte
  • Fiber Plants
  • EEB 3203 - Developmental Plant Morphology

References (external):

  1. The Plant List (2013). Version 1.1. Last accessed on Tuesday, May 09, 2017.
  2. Ferns Afloat at In Defense of Plants. Last accessed on Thursday, February 01, 2018.

data regenerated on Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:45:10 -0400 [bcm v4.0]

Images:

No default accession image assigned

Additional images for this accession:

Click on thumbnails to enlarge

Current Accessions in the Salviniaceae

  • Azolla caroliniana
  • Salvinia auriculata
  • Salvinia molesta
W/C = Wild Collected
= indicates flowering in past 14 days
= images available for this accession
= map available for this accession
= accession added within past 90 days
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