West Indian Spongeplant
Hydrocharis laevigata
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Trinidad-Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela, Windward Is.
GBIF: Rodney Olsen
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Hydrocharitaceae
- Genus:
- Hydrocharis
- Species:
- Hydrocharis laevigata
- USDA Symbol:
- LILA7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, aquatic invertebrates
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, organic, water-retentive soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in still or slow-moving freshwater bodies.