Frogbit is a floating freshwater plant from Central and South America which has been used in fish ponds, aquariums and water features.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Plants float on the water surface, and have smooth, rounded, fleshy green leaves up to four centimetres across, with sponge-like sections on their undersides.
Adult plants develop very quickly and Juvenile plants have a great capacity for distribution as they are small and can be easily and quickly carried along by water currents.
The most common cause of spread is the dumping of illegal aquarium plants in waterways. This plant is a serious biosecurity threat to any aquatic system in NSW as it can rapidly invade and form into large mats of runners that develop very quickly and can smother watercourses.
The first known occurrences of Frogbit in NSW were found in a natural waterway within a public bushland reserve, and in fish ponds on private property at Green Point, near Forster.
It has also been found illegally advertised for sale by online sellers around Sydney. Any known occurrences or sales are subject to an immediate eradication response.
Contact your local government biosecurity officer for assistance on identification and control.
If you know of or think you may have Frogbit in waterways or aquariums near you, please call your local councils Biosecurity officers or Call the NSW DPI Biosecurity Helpline 1800 680 244 for assistance on identification and eradication.
Frogbit is PROHIBITED MATTER under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015.
Your local biosecurity officer
Keegan Noble is a site leader on Nambucca Shire Council’s Green Space Team with a priority role as the invasive plants officer and natural area manager.
Working closely with Nambucca Valley Land Care, Keegan provides information and advice to local land owners about environmental awareness and management, including identifying noxious weeds in the area and how to manage them.
For advice from Keegan, contact council on 6568 2555.
Related reading: Saving endangered plant species in the Nambucca Valley