Family: Salviniaceae Scientific name: Salvinia molesta Description: Plant Form Free-floating mat-forming aquatic fern. Size Individual plants 6-25 cm long, but forming large mats. Stem Green, covered in fine hairs, slender and submerged. Leaves Fronds, light green or yellowish, round to oval, growing in opposite pairs, with many waxy hairs, float on surface in mats. Flowers N/A Fruit and Seeds N/A Habitat Slow moving water bodies like ponds, generally in warmer climates. Distinguishing Features Distinctive in later growth phases. Early growth can be distinguished by the opposite frond pairs. Impacts Affects water quality and flow, prevents native growth, habitat for mosquitoes.