Eichhornia crassipes
Highlighted in the latest newsletter of Weed Spotters is one of the world’s most invasive aquatic weeds – Water hyacinth.
Native to South America, the water hyacinth was brought over as an ornamental plant to Australia in 1890s. It has now costed billions of dollars yearly to control as it infests freshwater bodies across the globe.
Water hyacinth are characterised by their swollen, air-filled stem that helps maintain buoyancy in the water; large attractive mauve flowers, that have a darker purple patch and yellow spot on the upper petal; and dark purple feathery roots.
It is asked you report sightings of water hyacinth to Agriculture Victoria that can be contacted on 136 186 or send an email to [email protected].
For more information visit the Agriculture Victoria website
