WATER HYACINTH

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 129, 1 June 1926, Page 13

WATER HYACINTH

A DANGEROUS ORNAMENT.

; Word has been received by the Department of Agriculture that this plant, the water hyacinth (Eiehhornia 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 th<re 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. ; ' The ■ water hyacinth i» 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 imputation as a 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, it should be remembered by those concerned that it is a plant capable of growing on the surface of water, and under favourable conditions, of quickly covering large areas to the extent of making them impassable, even for steamers on large open streams. Immense sums have been spent in the warmer parts of North America and Australia in keeping waterways free from the weed. While 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 ao little is known at present about its behaviour here in a wild state that the wisdom of taking all possible steps to prevent its further distribution must be obvious.. The Department will be glad to hear of any details as to the presence of the plant in any locality, and itg behaviour there.