Hydrilla is a flora found in fresh water. The Hydrilla will grow to the waters surface from a depth of up to 20 feet. Hydrillas are a familiar aquatic plant and can grow in a variety of different water types. Hydrillas can grow only a few inches in water, but they can also grow to about 20 feet deep underwater. This plant can grow in either oligotrophic (low nutrient) or eutrophic (high nutrient) water.
The tolerance temperature level of a Hydrilla is 20o C to 27o C; so, it cannot stand harsh climates. The Hydrilla has abundant branches that open out upon getting to the surface, shaping mats. The underwater stems of the Hydrilla can be as long as 25 feet. The Hydrilla roots, also know as Rhizomes, are often than not|by and large|mostly|in general] off-white or yellowish in color. There are many ways a Hydrilla can multiply. When it is time to reproduce the Hydrilla accomplishes this in one of four ways: fragmentation, seeds, tubers and turions (auxiliary buds).
When equated with other floras the Hydrilla has a number of advantages. Only one percent sunshine is need for the Hydrilla to grow. indigenous plants in the same area as a Hydrilla get unhealthy amounts of foods because of the Hydrillas absorption rate. Hydrillas grow quickly, competing with indigenous plants, and are thus considered a pestilent pest. 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 ofttimes choke out indigenous aquatic floras because they take up so much surface area absorbing the sunlight and nutrients.
Each year, millions are spent on weed killers and harvesting all in an campaign to control the growth and spread of Hydrilla. People cant fish in areas where Hydrilla is found because it so adversely effects the other flora life in the area. Hydrilla slows down the water current and totally clogs irrigation and flood-control ducts. Hydrilla impedes bathers, boatmen and fishermen alike. When a lot of Hydrilla grows together, it can totally take down that areas water oxygen level.
Elodea and Egeria are ofttimes confused for Hydrilla. The aquatic plants Elodea and Egeria are often thought to be Hydrilla. In the case of a Hydrilla, there is one or more teeth located at the undersurface 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 bottom of the flora. The flowers the Egeria produce are also larger than the Hydrilla.
The Hydrilla turns into food for macro and micro invertebrates. Upon dying, these micro and macro organisms break up and become food for other land and marine wildlife. Bacteria and fungi break up Hydrillas that die naturally and then create a food called debris, which many marine creatures eat. 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 dont make a great diet.
About the Author:
Dave McNabb founded a full service aquatic maintenance company located in Lafayette, California in 1996. Dave started his aquatic career in 1980 with Aquatics Unlimited located in Martinez, California. In 1984 Dave became the very first Aquamog operator and has run the machines for the past 25 years.
