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Abstract Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff. (Hippo grass in English) is a perennial macrophyte belonging to the Poaceae family. In Egypt, this species has invaded into the aquatic ecosystems in recent years, causing declines in the native flora of the River Nile. Ecological studies were carried out on the target species inhabiting three aquatic habitats (slopes, water edges and open water) along the banks of the River Nile in Cairo, Egypt. V. cuspidata dominated most of the investigated habitats and its growth caused the reduction of richness and evenness of most of the native species. Studies on the monthly and seasonal growth patterns indicated that the target species showed its highest vegetative growth in autumn.Harvesting V. cuspidata in autumn will minimize their competition with native flora.The roots of V. cuspidata accumulated high concentrations of iron, manganous, nickel, and lead.The leaves of V. cuspidata is a promising animal forage, and they should be harvested from unpolluted habitats to ensure that they have low levels of trace heavy metals |