Heteranthera

Heteranthera reniformis

Heteranthera, also known as kidneyleaf mud plantain, is a sprawling annual or perennial aquatic plant, 20-50 cm tall, that grows in shallow fresh water (less than 15 cm deep). Its stems can grow along the mud under the water with the leaves and stems emerging, or the whole plant can float. Heteranthera is able to form dense mats and colonise open shallow water, such as disturbed wetlands and flooded rice production. It has a wide natural distribution originating from North, Central and South America, and it has been actively promoted as an ornamental pond plant on a number of Australian websites. Infestations have occurred in Queensland and New South Wales.

Flowering stems are 1-9 cm long with alternate, kidney-shaped leaves up to 5 cm across. Flowers are white to pale blue and open a few hours after sunrise, wilting by early afternoon. Fruits are capsules containing 8-14 winged seeds. Roots occur at nodes along the stems.

Watch out for and report heteranthera

Heteranthera is a Class 1 noxious weed in NSW under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. It must be eradicated and land must be kept free of the plant. As a notifiable weed, all outbreaks must be reported to the local council within three days, and the plant is prohibited from sale in NSW.

If you have seen this plant please contact your local council Weeds Officer; your nearest NSW Department of Primary Industries office; the NSW Weeds Hotline 1800 680 244; or email weeds@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Status

• Declared in NSW under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (view details)