Author | D.S. Mitchell | |
Distribution | So far documented by specimens from New Hanover, Onslow, and Pender counties; at 4 sites, all in 2002. Specimens are at FLAS and NCU. Weakley (2018) lists 15 other counties (no doubt reports by USFWS personnel).
Native of Brazil; in N.A. recently established and spreading in most southern states. | |
Abundance | Apparently well-established in NC, but colonies are being destroyed as they are found. It is a federal noxious weed species. As recently as 1993, FNA only mentions that this aggressive alien "represents a candidate for escape." | |
Habitat | Stagnant ponds, inundated ditches, etc. | |
Phenology | | |
Identification | This is a floating aquatic species with elongate stems. The leaves occur in whorls of 3, 2 of them elliptical and floating, 1 finely dissected and suspended in the water; larger leaves are less than 1 inch long. The floating leaves have tiny bumps on their upper surface and often have a folded appearance, with a crease down the midrib. | |
Taxonomic Comments | | |
Other Common Name(s) | | |
State Rank | SE | |
Global Rank | GNR | |
State Status | | |
US Status | | |
USACE-agcp | OBL link |
USACE-emp | OBL link |