Salvinia Cucullata – small pouch

Salvina cuculata, commonly known as “water spangles” or “giant salvinia,” is a species of aquatic fern native to South America. It is part of the Salviniaceae family and is characterized by its floating leaves, which are densely arranged in clusters. The leaves have a distinctive oval shape and are covered in tiny hairs, providing them with buoyancy and water repellency.

Water spangles are often found in still or slow-moving freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. They can reproduce rapidly under favorable conditions, forming dense mats that cover the surface of the water. This dense growth can have negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems by reducing sunlight penetration, depleting oxygen levels, and impeding the movement of organisms.