Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: waterslaai, water lettuce, tropical duck-weed

Family: Araceae (Aroid)

Distribution: Pantropical

Habitat: Various aquatic habitats

IUCN Red list: Least concern

Black list: Listed NEMBA Category 1 Invasive - Must be destroyed/removed by law.

Life form: Aquatic

Comments: The origin of this plant is uncertain, but its medicinal use to treat wounds and skin infections has been recorded as early as 77 AD in Egypt. It is now found in tropical regions globally, including SA, where it often blocks waterways, decreasing biodiversity and changing the ecological function of the aquatic habitat. Problematic in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga. The dense mats clog waterways, reduce waterflow, impede fishing and provides a breeding place for mosquitoes and bilharzia-carrying snails.