Water Hyacinth

water hyacinth is an aquatic plant native to the Amazon basin and is often a highly problematic invasive species outside its native range. It is the sole species of Pontederia subg. Oshunae.

Since the water hyacinths are so prolific, harvesting them for industrial use serves also as a means of environmental control. The water hyacinth's stems are used as a braiding material and a source of fibers. Strings of dried fibers are woven or interlinked together to form a braid or cord used for making bags, footwear, wreaths, hats, vases, Christmas lanterns, and more decorative materials. Dried stems are used for baskets and furniture. Water hyacinth fibers are used as raw material for paper.