Eichhornia crassipes (Martius) Solms-Laubach
Water hyacinth is declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act (1994) as a State prohibited weed. It was introduced to Australia in the 1890s as an ornamental plant. It has been found for sale in nurseries, markets and pet shops in Victoria. It is one of the fastest growing plants in the world and has the capacity to double its population in two weeks.
| Water hyacinth has been found for sale in nurseries, markets and pet shops and has also been removed from water bodies around Victoria. |
What are State prohibited weeds?
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State prohibited weeds either do not occur in Victoria, or are present and can reasonably be expected to be eradicated. State prohibited weeds are the highest category of noxious weeds under the Catchment and Land Protection Act (1994). The Department of Primary Industries is responsible for the eradication of State prohibited weeds. The Victorian Government is committed to preventing the introduction of high-risk weeds into Victoria, to protect our environment and economy.
Why is it so dangerous?
Water hyacinth can rapidly cover and block waterways by forming a dense, impenetrable mat over the water surface. It can then quickly eliminate other native aquatic plants leaving native fauna with little food and shelter, despite providing suitable habitat for mosquitoes to thrive. Infestations can limit sunlight penetration into the water body, reducing the quality of the water. This can increase biomass decomposition (reducing dissolved oxygen levels) or increase evaporation by up to five times.
How to identify water hyacinth
Water hyacinth plants are characterised by swollen stems filled with air cells enabling them to float and large, attractive mauve coloured flowers.
Water hyacinth has two types of leaves. Erect non-bulbous leaves up to 100 cm long, including the stem and bulbous leaves with a round leaf, about 5 cm in diameter, attached to an air filled stem. All leaves are bright to dark green, smooth and glossy.
Water hyacinth flowers are mauve with six petals. The upper most petal has a yellow dot in the centre.
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What should you do if you find a water hyacinth plant? ?
If you think you have purchased or seen a water hyacinth plant, please contact the Department of Primary Industries by telephoning 136 186.
| Please do not attempt to control or dispose of this weed yourself. |
