If you have ever needed a reliable source for identifying an
invasive aquatic species, you might have waded through the USDA APHIS ITP’s “Aquarium& Pond Plants of the World” (APPW). Edition 2.1 was released yesterday. The
USDA APHIS ITP announcement states APPW still has “fact sheets, images, an
illustrated glossary, and an interactive key to support the identification
process for over 140 genera of plant and plant-like organisms grown and used in
the aquarium and pond plant trade”. The resource has been updated with a new
design and increased user capabilities. The tool is now responsive for use
across multiple platforms including smartphones and tablets.
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Screen
capture from APPW’s new home page.
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APPW can be used to identify invasive species as it includes
genera listed on the Federal Noxious Weed List. According to APPW, “As part of
its effort to prevent the introduction of invasive or potentially invasive
weeds, the USDA maintains an official list of ‘federal noxious weeds’ (FNW) (7 CFR
360.200 and 361.6).”
