General description

Submerged aquatic. Stems slender, branching and < 90 cm long. Leaves are narrow, opposite or in whorls, toothed and tapered to a blunt or pointed tip. Flowers are small, inconspicuous and borne in leaf axils.

What you need to know

To help protect our environment:

You must not breed, distribute, release or sell southern naiad. As southern naiad is an Unwanted Organism, these restrictions apply within the Auckland region and across the whole of New Zealand.

Habitats

Still or flowing freshwater bodies, lakes, stream, ponds, ditches.

Dispersal

Seeds dispersed by water. Vegetative spread from stem fragments. Human-mediated dispersal through movement of contaminated boats and equipment.

Impact on environment

Can form dense infestations, outcompeting native plants and clogging waterways.

Control

Site Management

Consider engaging an aquatic pest plant control operator to control large infestations. Follow up treated areas each year.

Recommended approaches

Physical control

Method: Rake up and pull out between November and January

Plant parts requiring disposal: All parts

Disposal options: Leave onsite to rot down away from the water

Biocontrol

Biocontrol is currently not available for this species.

Community agrichemical control recommendations

Certified Handler/Experienced agrichemical user
Follow up in summer after pulling out plants with a foliar spray of 100 ml glyphosate green per 10 L of water

CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.