Question

Exotic species Eichhornia crassipes
A. Was introduced by European in India
B. Was introduced in India accidentally
C. Was introduced in Lake Victoria of South Africa
D. Is a strange shrub of tropical America

Answer 1

Hint: Water hyacinth is found in South America. It is scientifically known as Eichhornia crassipes. It was first introduced by Egypt. It’s a kind of shape of leaves and beautiful flowers have considered them as the ornamental plants of India. In a very short period of time, it covers the area of the water and can propagate vegetatively at very fast rates. This kind of plant is commonly known as the name of “terror Bengal”.

Complete answer:

The water hyacinth is a free-floating aquatic macrocytic plant found in South America. Later it was introduced in the lake of South Africa. According to the list of IUCN, it is the world’s 100 worst invasive species found under the 1143/2014 regulation of Italy, Spain, Portugal and Europe. It grows to a height of about 30-150 centimetres. It has thick glossy ovate leaves which may rise above the surface of the water. The invasive feature and impact of the water hyacinth compete with the native vegetation which helps them to change drastically with the ecosystem. Some of its common Indian names are Bengal terror, the blue devil, noxious species, etc.
Therefore, the correct option is (C).

Note: Water hyacinth has many uses; It is used for making furniture, baskets, ropes, etc. It is also used as a tonic in some parts of Malaysia to treat certain skin diseases of horses. Some of its common Indian names are Bengal terror, the blue devil, noxious species, etc.