Hymenachne
Hymenachne amplexicaulis
family
Poaceae
origin
Exotic
declaration
Council Pest Vegetation (BCC Natural Asset Local Law)
Council Pest Vegetation (BCC Natural Asset Local Law)
Common names
Hymenachne, Olive hymenachne, Water stargrass, West Indian grass, West Indian marsh grass.
A large spreading grass with thick pithy stems. These stems are often trailing or creeping (sometimes floating on water) and regularly produce roots at their joints. Its leaves have large, relatively broad, stem-clasping leaf blades (10-45 cm long and 2-6 cm wide). Its elongated seed-heads are spike-like in appearance (10-50 cm long and 0.8-2 cm wide). They contain numerous individual flower spikelets that are 3-4 mm long.
Impact
Impact
Hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis) is a Weed of National Significance and is regarded as one of the worst weeds in Australia because of its invasiveness, potential for spread, economic and environmental impacts. It has escaped from cultivation as a ponded pasture grass in recent years and now seriously threatens the wetlands of northern Australia. Hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis) primarily invades permanent water bodies and seasonally inundated wetlands. The environmental threats posed to wetlands are severe, as it forms dense stands that reduce plant diversity and available habitat for native animals. In the Northern Territory, infestations have been found in important conservation areas including the Mary River and Kakadu National Parks, and at Murganella on the Cobourg Peninsula.
Location
Location
Characteristics
Characteristics
Similar Species
Similar Species
Hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis) is a Weed of National Significance and is regarded as one of the worst weeds in Australia because of its invasiveness, potential for spread, economic and environmental impacts. It has escaped from cultivation as a ponded pasture grass in recent years and now seriously threatens the wetlands of northern Australia. Hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis) primarily invades permanent water bodies and seasonally inundated wetlands. The environmental threats posed to wetlands are severe, as it forms dense stands that reduce plant diversity and available habitat for native animals. In the Northern Territory, infestations have been found in important conservation areas including the Mary River and Kakadu National Parks, and at Murganella on the Cobourg Peninsula.
