Cabomba furcata is a species of aquatic plant in the water shield family known by the common names red cabomba and forked fanwort. It is native to Central and South America and as far north as Cuba and the tip of Florida. It reaches a maximum height between 30 and 80 cm and is up to 8 cm wide. It bears purple flowers.

Cytology

The chromosome count is 2n = 52. The chloroplast genome of Cabomba furcata is 160271 bp long.

Cultivation

This is used as an aquarium plant. Carbon dioxide addition is usually necessary, mostly because this plant requires high light and regular fertilization for optimal growth.

As an invasive species

Cabomba furcata has been reported as an invasive species in Kerala, India, in the Kalutara district of Sri Lanka, in Chini Lake, Malaysia, and Taiwan. Its active stem propagation prevents light from penetrating the surface of water. It suffocates the water bodies, economically and ecologically hindering the growth of native aquatic plants and freshwater fish. Red cabomba requires huge quantity of oxygen, resulting in decline of biodiversity and water quality.