Water hyacinth
| Botanical Name | Eichornia crassipes |
|---|---|
| Family | Pontederiaceae |
| Origin | Tropical South America |
Identification
A floating aquatic perennial, with distinctive bladder-like swollen leaf petioles giving buoyancy. Flowers conspicuous, above foliage, near-white with purple markings and a distinct yellow spot.Habitats
Ponds, slow-moving streams.Impact to Biota and Ecosystems
An aggressive invasive, choking ponds and slow-moving water and replacing the natural flora. Twenty-five plants can produce a mat over 1 hectare of water in one temperate growing season.Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources
Seeds and plants can be dispersed by water movement, wind, movement of machinery and equipment, and, planned or accidental planting and release by humans.Management
|
Management |
|
| Physical Control |
Hand clearance is effective on small sites. |
| Disposal |
Mulching on dry land is effective or dry out and burn. |
| Chemical Control |
Chemicals used to treat water hyacinth include 2,4-D Amine and Glyphosate. |
|
Biological Control |
|
| Recommended Approach |
Report to AgriQuality or a Pest Plant Officer. |
Further Comment
Water hyacinth is a Notifiable Pest Plant and landowners/occupiers have a legal obligation to report the presence of this plant to AgriQuality and/or your local Pest Plant Officer who will arrange for the necessary eradication work. It is an offence for anyone to grow this plant. Notifiable Pest Plants are deemed to pose an intolerable threat to NZ and must be eradicated. The Government pays for and organises all eradication work needed on this plant.
This plant is prohibited from propagation, sale and distribution within New Zealand!