Photo of a Hydrilla

Hydrilla

(Hydrilla verticillata)

Native to parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia it was introduced to the US in the 1950s from Asia as an aquarium plant. Populations introduced to Florida ecosystems by aquarium dumping or intentional plantings. Stem fragments on watercrafts, trailers, etc. introduce this plant to new waterways. Both monecious and dioecious biotypes have been found in the US. 

Resources