Fauna
Plant

Brazilian Elodea

Elodea densa

Also known as Brazilian Waterweed, Large-Flowered Waterweed, Anacharis, Dense Waterweed

Brazilian elodea anchors into muddy sediments or drifts in dense, buoyant mats that choke out native flora by monopolizing underwater light and dissolved nutrients. Stems produce dense whorls of bright green, minutely toothed leaves and send small three-petaled white flowers upward on slender stalks to blossom just above the water's surface. Broken vegetative fragments regenerate vigorously into complete plants, driving rapid colonization wherever currents or recreational watercraft transport them.

AquaticSubmergedInvasive
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyDissolved carbon dioxide, Nitrates, Phosphates
Predators
  • Grass carp
  • Herbivorous waterfowl
  • Freshwater snails
ThreatsAquatic herbicides, mechanical harvesting, and desiccation
HabitatsLakes, ponds, canals, and slow-moving rivers
Life spanPerennial
Classification
  1. FamilyHydrocharitaceae
  2. SpeciesElodea densa
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Biosecurity: Inspect, clean, and dry all watercraft and fishing gear before moving to new water bodies.
  • Aquarium Management: Never dispose of live aquarium plants or cuttings into outdoor waterways, toilets, or storm drains.
  • Field Identification: Count leaves per whorl to distinguish it, as stems feature four to eight leaves at each node.
Related species
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