WATER MIMOSA

Neptunia oleracea & N. plena

REPORT THIS WEED (02) 6623 3800

Description

A perennial aquatic plant that grows on the banks of waterways with its stems growing out over the surface of the water. Prefers still to slow-moving waterways, up to 1 m deep, full sun and hot conditions.

Leaves Alternate and form branchlets. Branchlets have opposite leaves which are sensitive to the touch.

Flowers Yellow, occur in clusters that are ball-shaped and on stalks up to 20 cm long.

Fruit Up to 2.8 cm long, 1 cm wide and contain up to 8 brown seeds.

Stems Grow over the surface of the water, developing a spongy covering as they age.

Roots Taproots grow down into the bank.

Dispersal Seed or vegetative reproduction from plant fragments dispersed by waterways, watercraft, fishing equipment or illegal dumping of aquarium or pond plants.

Confused with Native Sensitive plants (Neptunia spp.).

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.

Stratiotes

Description A submerged plant except in summer when it rises to the water surface to flower. The new leaves that grow in spring contain air pockets allowing the plant to float. As the older leaves die back in autumn, they become waterlogged, which causes the plant to sink again. Grows vigorously to form dense stands.

Leaves Resemble aloe plants, and it is also called water aloe. Thin, brittle and droop when submerged, growing up to 60 cm long and 1 cm wide. Dark green, thick, rigid and usually less than 40 cm but 1–4 cm wide when emergent.

Flowers White with three petals and a yellow centre.

Fruit Fleshy berries contain up to 24 seeds.

Roots Up to 180 cm long.

Dispersal Seed or vegetative reproduction from plant fragments dispersed by waterways.

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.