Biosecurity alert - Frogbit
Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) is a prohibited aquatic weed that has been found at a number of locations across the Camden Local Government Area. It is a floating freshwater plant that can:
-
Rapidly invade and smother waterways;
-
Form dense mats across the surface of waterways;
-
Prevent native water plants from growing;
-
Reduce food and shelter for aquatic animals;
-
Block waterways and irrigation channels; and
-
Increase suitable habitat for mosquito breeding.
Frogbit has several key identifying features including:
- Bright green, glossy leaves that are usually rounded at the tip;
- The leaves are typically less than 6 cm long with the younger leaves having a spongy underside;
- White or greenish-white flowers that are about 13mm wide - Flowers last only a few days;
- Stems that are mostly branched with leaves; and
- Hairy roots that are firmly anchored in the ground.
|
|
Photo courtesy of the NSW Department of Primary Industries - Terry Inkson
Frogbit is a rapidly growing weed that spreads throughout the spring, summer and autumn seasons. It spreads by seeds and the movement of juvenile plants. This can happen from natural water movements and disturbance of the Frogbit mat, including boats, equipment or machinery moving it to new locations. However, the most common cause of spread is from illegal dumping of aquarium or pond plants into waterways, and through uncleaned boat trailers and irrigation equipment.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development have categorised this plant as prohibited matter within NSW. This means that persons are not legally allowed to deal with this plant (keep, sell, trade or move) in any manner and have a duty to report any plant suspected of being frogbit.
Frogbit is a serious biosecurity threat to Camden’s lakes, creeks, dams and the Nepean River, as well as the rest of New South Wales. Frogbit in a dam is at risk of being spread by birds or entering waterways during flooding events. If you have a dam on your property it is your duty as a landholder to control what may be growing in it.
Frogbit and the closely related Spongeplant (Limnobium spongia) are both classified as prohibited matter under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and heavy penalties apply for dealing with this species.
If you are unsure whether you have Frogbit on your property, or suspect you have seen it, please report to Camden Council’s Biosecurity Officer on 13 22 63 or email sustainability@camden.nsw.gov.au and/or NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development on the State priority weeds Helpline: 1800 680 244 or email weeds@dpi.nsw.gov.au
For further information on Biosecurity and Weeds please visit:
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds
For further information on Frogbit please visit NSW Weedwise: