I won't be having water-hyacinths
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (337426)
Rockingham, Australia
October 16, 2024 4:05am CST
MyLotter, Always Smiling, posted about her water hyacinths and I thought they might be a nice option for me to have in a basin or small pond. When I researched, I found that they are a declared weed in Western Australia. It must not be sold and must be reported if seen, and destroyed.
The danger is that the plant can choke waterways. Because the plant forms a thick blanket, it prevents the light from entering and depletes oxygen supplies. This causes algal bloom and impacts heavily on native fauna. Water hyacinth has the potential to choke waterways, preventing light entering and depleting oxygen, causing algal bloom and native fauna to die.
There are a number of attractive plants which are ‘escapees’ and have become pests. One is the arum lily. It looks lovely along the creek beds in the south-west but is a menace to land-owners. So, no water-hyacinths for me.
The photo is of water-lilies at Monet's garden in France.
9 people like this
7 responses
@somewitch (855)
•
2h
They would have been a nice addition indeed, but really, you don't want to end up in prison for growing water hyacinths.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (337426)
• Rockingham, Australia
Just now
I knew nothing about them although I do know about other weeds that have been introduced and are harmful.
@moffittjc (121371)
• Gainesville, Florida
1h
It’s a shame, because so many of the prettiest plants are considered invasive species that can destroy native ecosystems.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (337426)
• Rockingham, Australia
Just now
Often it's when they're out of their own areas that they create so much trouble.
@JudyEv (337426)
• Rockingham, Australia
Just now
You are in luck if your weeds are legal. Consider yourself blessed!