ANCHORED WATER HYACINTH

Eichhornia azurea

PROHIBITED MATTER – REPORT THIS WEED (02) 6623 3800 PREVENT

Description Floats or grows under the water’s surface. It forms dense mats in and across water bodies.

Leaves Green and varied in shape. Above the water’s surface, it appears round, 5–16 cm long and 2–16 cm wide. When in shade or underwater, it appears elongated, 6–20 cm long and 1 cm wide.

Flowers Mostly white or lavender-blue with deep purple centres and a distinct yellow spot on the top petal. Funnel-shaped with six toothed petals 1–3 cm long.

Fruit Capsule 1 cm wide, containing 10–13 seeds.

Stems Smooth and branched.

Roots Roots anchor in the mud.

Dispersal Seed or vegetative reproduction from stem fragments dispersed by waterways, attached to birds, vehicles, watercraft equipment or illegal dumping of aquarium or pond plants.

Confused with Weed species Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes).

Control Please do not attempt to treat or dispose of this weed yourself. Call (02) 6623 3800 if you see this plant anywhere in the Far North Coast region.