Water lettuce, an invasive plant

All the plants that exist in the world take their place in their natural habitat; however, there are some that when introduced in other places multiply with astonishing rapidity, invading the terrain of those who have been living in that area for millennia. In Spain there are several of these, such as water lettuce.

This is a beautiful aquatic plant that, due to its characteristics, could be a great pond plant, but unfortunately it is not advisable to acquire it for its invasive habit. Let us know why.

Why is it invasive?

Water lettuce, also known as lechuguilla, water cabbage or water cabbage, is an aquatic plant native to tropical America that has managed to spread in other tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is characterized by having leaves arranged in a rosette, of a soft green color, which remain on the surface of the water. The flowers are white and arise from a spadix in a small spathe from spring to late summer.

Its growth rate is very fast. Also, if the weather is mild and there is no frost, it may be producing runners all year long, so if it is introduced in an area where it does not have natural enemies it can become a real pest.

Is it forbidden to have it?

La Pistia stratiotes, as botanists call it, is a plant that is included in the list of invasive plants of Spain. What does this mean? That they are about to or that have already stopped being marketed in the nurseries due to their invasive nature. In the case of water lettuce, You cannot have it in gardens, much less leave it in rivers or swamps..

It is important to know the different species and prevent the "new" ones from invading the land to the autochthonous ones. The health of ecosystems depends on it.