alligator weed

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alligator weed

n.
An aquatic South American perennial plant (Alternanthera philoxeroides) having opposite, lance-shaped leaves and small whitish flowers. It is a weed that invades warm, freshwater habitats in the southeast United States, Australia, and elsewhere.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Noun1.alligator weed - prolific South American aquatic weed having grasslike leaves and short spikes of white flowersalligator weed - prolific South American aquatic weed having grasslike leaves and short spikes of white flowers; clogs waterways with dense floating masses
alligator grass, Alternanthera philoxeroides
Alternanthera, genus Alternanthera - genus of low herbs of tropical America and Australia; includes genus Telanthera
weed - any plant that crowds out cultivated plants
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
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Radulovich and his colleagues also see potential in aquatic plants such as azolla, water hyacinth and alligator weed. Frequently dismissed as weeds that clutter waterways, such plants are seen by Radulovich as enriching biodiversity, and as a source of nutrients and habitat for small fish and snails that attract bigger fish.
A new solution to water scarcity problem
The rectangular cells were densely vegetated with water smartweed, johnsongrass, and alligator weed. Together, the two cells and the pond measured 590 feet in length by 98 feet in width.
Monitoring and managing Mississippi delta watersheds
A program on freshwater floating aquatic weeds, implemented by CSIRO Entomology in the 1970s, has seen biological control successes over salvinia, alligator weed and water lettuce in Australia.
News from the frontline
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