Water hyacinth is an aquatic plant that has a slender rootstock kind of stalked leaves. These leaves are then cut and dried so that they can be woven in baskets and other home decor and home furniture products. Water hyacinth is widely found in Vietnam, especially in the waterways south of Hanoi. Before purchasing, I recall reading several reviews regarding the basketsâ?? â??horrible smellâ??. Well folks, they are woven from water hyacinth (which is a plant) so yes, they have an organic â??plantâ?? aroma to them as do other plant fibers such as jute, hemp or burlap.