How Did the Water Hyacinth Arrive in Africa?
Soon after the plant was first recorded, it was taken to Europe for detailed scientific description and because the flowers are attractive. It was also taken to the US in the 19th century, and in the late 19th century it was introduced to Egypt. At about the same time it was introduced into Japan, Indonesia And Australia, and a few years later it was introduced to South Africa. So in the space of a few years the plant was transported to many parts of the world, and there is no doubt that the intentional movement by humans has led to its worldwide distribution. Once present in an area, the water hyacinth spreads with further help from people, and also by water currents carrying plant seeds (Water Hyacinth, A threat to Malawis rivers and Lakes, Answers to Commonly Asked Question, CAB International Africa Regional Center, Nairobi, Kenya). The water hyacinth has been present in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Angola for about sixty years, in the Congo River since 1952, in the White Nile since abo
