Pontederiaceae

Pontederiaceae is a small family of flowering plants in the order Commelinales, comprising herbaceous aquatic or amphibious plants native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The family is best known for including the water hyacinth (Eichhornia), particularly Eichhornia crassipes, a fast-growing aquatic weed, along with other genera such as Pontederia and Heteranthera.

In botanical classification, Pontederiaceae plants are aquatic to semi-aquatic herbs with stems that are often trailing or floating, leaves that may be long-petioled and arranged in whorls or opposite pairs, and inflorescences that arise from the leaf axils or plant apex. The flowers are generally bisexual and showy, often with bilateral symmetry, and are pollinated by insects or, in some species, wind. The fruit is typically a capsule containing numerous seeds.

The geographic distribution is predominantly tropical and subtropical, with centers of diversity in the Americas and Africa. Several species have been introduced elsewhere and naturalized, sometimes becoming invasive.

Conservation and economic relevance: The water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes has become a notorious invasive species in many regions, forming dense mats that impede water flow, block sunlight, and disrupt aquatic ecosystems. Management includes mechanical removal, biological control, and chemical approaches.

Systematics: Under the APG IV system, Pontederiaceae is a family within Commelinales, and its genera include Eichhornia, Pontederia, and Heteranthera.