A DANGEROUS PLANT

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 210, 1 June 1926, Page 13

A DANGEROUS PLANT

Word has been received by the Depart, ment of Agriculture' that water hyacinth (eichhornia speciosa)—which belongs to a small family of water plants, not in any way related to the true water lilies—is being introduced into the Waikato district and there sold as an ornamental flower for growing in lakes and rivers. It has for many years been established on a small scale in several different parts of the North Island, and while in some cases but little trouble has arisen, in others great regret is expressed that it was ever planted. Water hyacinth is a plant of extreme beauty and it is natural enough that those who possess suitable sheets of water and who have not heard of its evil reputation as n weed in other countries, should look on it as a splendid acquisition. Before water hyacinth is in any way encouraged or distributed about the country, however, sqys the Department, it should be remembered by those concerned that it 4s a plant capable of growing on the surface of water and under favonrble conditions of quickly covering large areas to the extent of making them impassible. even for steamers on largo open streams. Immense gums have been spent in the warmer parts of North America and Australia in keenin" waterways free from the weed. Wtnfo it is quite true that many parts of New Zealand are too cold for the plant—which it is reported cannot stand frost—it should be emphasised that so little is known at present hhoiit its behaviour Lore te n wild state, that the wisdom of taking all possible steps to prevent it< further distribution must be obvious. The Department wishes to hear of any details of the presence of. the nlnnt in any locality and its behaviour there.