'Flowers of doom : The silent invader of Puzhayoram region'
'Flowers of doom : The silent invader of Puzhayoram region' Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an invasive aquatic plant known for its rapid growth and ability to form dense mats on water surfaces. Originating from the Amazon Basin, it has spread globally, becoming a significant ecological threat. In Puzhayoram, this plant poses serious challenges to the local ecosystem, impacting the lake, marine life, and the environment. The proliferation of water hyacinth in Puzhayoram leads to severe consequences for the lake's health. The thick mats obstruct sunlight, preventing photosynthesis in submerged aquatic plants. This results in reduced plant diversity and can lead to the death of native species. Additionally, as water hyacinth decays, it consumes dissolved oxygen in the water, creating hypoxic conditions that are detrimental to fish and other aquatic organisms. The alteration of water clarity also disrupts the natural balance of the ecosystem, further exacerbating the...