KIDNEY LEAF MUD PLANTAIN

Description Grows in shallow water, usually less than 20 cm deep, forming dense mats that usually emerge 10–30 cm above the water surface.

Leaves Kidney-shaped, bright green, glossy, 1–4 cm long and 1–5 cm wide, on stalks. Alternate but some are occasionally grouped into clusters.

Flowers White or pale blue, have six petals, 3–6.5 mm long.

Fruit Small capsule, 8–14 mm, containing tiny, winged seeds, less than 1 mm long.

Stems The underwater stems produce roots at their joints, where they contact soil. Other stems spread across the water surface.

Dispersal Seed and vegetative reproduction from stem fragments containing a node dispersed by waterways or in mud attached to animals, people and vehicles. Seed is also spread by wind.

Confused with Weed species Water star grass (Heteranthera zosterifolia) as well as native and introduced water lilies.

Control Contact your local Rous County Council Weed Biosecurity Officer for control advice and disposal. Manually remove where appropriate. Follow strict hygiene procedures, bagging all plant material. Foliar spray with herbicide registered for aquatic use..

Lagarosiphon

Lagarosiphon major

PROHIBITED MATTER – REPORT THIS WEED (02) 6623 3800

Prevent This Weed

Description Perennial that can dominate still or slow-moving water bodies. Forms dense mats and can be fully submerged for free-floating.

Leaves Clustered around the stems in whorls, 5–20 mm long and 2–3 mm wide and have finely toothed margins. The tapered leaf tips curve downwards towards the stem. When the water is less alkaline, the leaves are straight.

Flowers The female flower is very small, 3 mm wide, and grows from a very thin white filament-like stalk. Its three petals appear clear-white or pale pink on the surface. The male flower breaks off and floats freely to the surface.

Stems Break easily, 3–5 mm wide and more than 5 m long. They are sparsely branched and curved toward the base (J-shaped).

Roots Underground stems (rhizomes) are found in the sediment which anchor the plant.

Dispersal Vegetative reproduction from plant fragments dispersed by waterways, watercraft or illegal dumping of aquarium or pond plants.

Confused with Weeds species Elodea canadensis, Egeria densa and native species Hydrilla verticillata.

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.

Description An invasive shrub that thrives in moist, wetland environments, having a dramatic impact on the aquatic environment.

Leaves Alternate, egg to oval-shaped with a pointed tip, 5–10 cm long and 1–3 cm wide. Hairy, green with prominent veins.

Flowers Yellow, 2–4 cm wide, four petals (sometimes 5–6). Last for one day only.

Fruit Reddish-brown capsule 1–2.5 cm long and 0.6–1 cm wide, containing thousands of seeds.

Seeds Light brown, 0.6–0.8 mm long and sticky.

Stems Hairy when young, dark green to brownish-green colour.

Roots Seedlings produce a large taproot, anchoring it to the soil.

Dispersal Seed and vegetative reproduction from root and stem fragments dispersed by waterways or birds. Seed is also spread when attached to clothing, hair and machinery.

Confused with Introduced species Long leaf willow primrose (Ludwigia longifolia).

Native species Primrose (L. Octovalvis) and Water primrose (L. peploides)

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.

Description