Giant Salvinia Found in Portland Greenhouse
Giant Salvinia, a water plant included on the federal noxious weed list, was found in a Portland greenhouse in July, 2007. A botanist spotted the plant in a shallow dish garden and warned the owner that it was an illegal plant and the owner called the Department of Agriculture for guidance. All pieces of the plant were removed for destruction. Giant Salvinia, Salvinia molesta, a native of Brazil, is a species of water fern and is a federally prohibited invasive plant. In some southern states where it has become established, its quick growth has plugged up waterways and water systems. For more information on giant salvinia visit the USDA Noxious Weed Program at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/weeds/facts.shtml and the National Invasive Species Information Center at http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/salvinia.shtml.
Source: Maine Department of Agriculture, Plant Industry Division, http://www.maine.gov/agriculture/pi/horticulture/GiantSalvinia.htm