Background.

Expansions in the range of invasive alien macrophytes (IEM) threaten freshwater ecosystems. However, the state of the art of invasion biology, not much attention has been given to invader-ecosystem interactions that would allow us to expand the understanding of the phenomenon and propose comprehensive management measures; predominating studies focused on control methods, invasive traits and impacts to the ecosystem.

Goals.

This review article centers on contextualizing the available information about Pontederia crassipes or water hyacinth in an integrated management framework.

Methods.

A co-occurrence analysis was performed using Vosviewer® software to identify and evaluate the different lines of knowledge on the topic. Based on landscape conservation criteria, a qualitative and narrative analysis was conducted to discuss the ecosystemic and integrated management of P. crassipes.

Results.

Since 1970, research on the species increased exponentially. Countries such as India, China and South Africa have stood out in their contributions to control and management. The main lines of research identified in the bibliometric analysis were five: “Bisosorption and water treatment”, “Use, compost and biofuel”, “Weed control and ecosystems”, “Phytoremediation and heavy metals” and “Artificial wetlands and nutrient removal”. These trends indicate a favorable path for the comprehensive approach to P. crassipes. However, efforts still need to be emphasized on social and political aspects, anthropic factors, basin-level and multi-scale processes. Thirteen paradigm shifts are proposed, inspired by criteria based on landscape ecology.

Conclusions.

The management of P. crassipes will require considering the local context, the joint species-ecosystem management and long-term adaptive schemes. This study provides a general framework for the integrated management of P. crassipes and aims to offer conceptual and practical approaches.