WATER STAR GRASS

Heteranthera zosterifolia

Description

An aquatic plant that forms dense mats, thriving in warm waters.

Leaves Submerged leaves do not have stems, are narrow with pointed tips, 5 cm long and 7 mm wide. Surface leaves have stems, are an elongated oval shape with rounded tips, 4 cm long.

Flowers Appear on the water’s surface, have six blue petals that are sometimes dark purple at the base.

Fruit A small capsule containing numerous seeds

Stems

It can have very long-running stems when growing underwater.

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

Confused with Weed species Kidney leaf mud plantain (Heteranthera reniformis)

Control Contact your local Rous County Council Weed Biosecurity Officer for control advice and disposal. Manually remove where appropriate. Ensure all plant material is bagged and removed from the site. Foliar spray or splatter gun with herbicide registered for aquatic use.