Eichhornia crassipes plant named `Johann Schoofs Sen`

Abstract

A new Eichhornia crassipes plant named ‘Johann schoofs Sen’ is provided which is well suited to serve as a biomass renewable energy source. The plant is particularly well suited to metabolize carbon dioxide from emissions. A free-floating small compact mat-like growth habit is displayed with an intertwined root ball. A typical leaf petiole is absent, and the roots are finely structured. The leaves are dark green in coloration, and the plant survives well under low-light conditions. The plant generates itself from new shoots and commonly can double its biomass in approximately 10 to 14 days.

Description

[0001]Botanical / commercial classification: Eichhornia crassipes / Water Hyacinth cv. Johann Schoofs Sen.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Common Water Hyacinth (i.e., Eichhornia crassipes) is recognized to be a free-floating perennial aquatic plant that is native to tropical and sub-tropical South America. The plant has been naturalized in most of the southern United States. Feathery, long freely hanging roots commonly are displayed. The plant reproduces primarily by way of runners or stolons which form daughter plants. In recent years, interest has focused on the use of plants for possible renewable energy source, as well as for industrial utilization. Eichhornia crassipes plants have been included in this interest.[0003]Such Eichhornia crassipes plants are generally adapted to produce carbohydrates through the mixotropic conversion of carbon dioxide while deriving nourishment via both autotropic and heterotropic mechanisms. For instance, organic matter (even contamination and waste) ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011](d) is capable of rapid asexual propagation through the prolific growth of stolons which become unattached from mother plants, and

[0014]The propensity for the new plant to grow and to increase in mass is particularly noteworthy. The small compact growth habit enables the presence of a large number of individual plants in a given production area. As the plants spontaneously asexually reproduce at a high growth rate, the resulting mass is rapidly enlarged. The plant commonly is capable of doubling its mass in approximately 10 to 14 days. The finely structured root structure enables the efficient absorption of nutrients. Such efficiency is evidenced by a strong green coloration that facilitates the conduct of photosynthesis even under reduced light conditions. Initially, carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and is bound and thereafter chemical components are extracted from the water. The plants contain high protein and high carbohydrate concentrations which are produced at a rapid growth rate. As carbon dioxide is captured from the atmosphere, global warming concerns are diminished, and water quality is improved. Periodic regular harvesting ensures a continuous new supply of new young plants.

Problems solved by technology

The number of surviving plants was drastically reduced and reproduction was limited to that of naturally-occurring asexual means.

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