The young leaves are covered in papillae.  The shape of these hair-like structures distinguishes S. minima from other Salvinia species.  Click Photo1 and Photo2 to view the papillae magnified.

Floating leaves are more rounded to orbicular in shape. The internodal segments of the floating, horizontal stem (rhizome) are shorter compared to S. molesta.


Salvinia molesta
Nonindigenous Aquatic Species - click to go to homepage
Savinia minima