Eelgrass
Vallisneria spiralis
Eelgrass
Legal Status: Unwanted Organism - MAF
Status in New Zealand: Established
Organism: Marine and freshwater plants
Synonyms
Vallisneria "Meola Creek variety" under Noxious Plants Act 1978
Description
V. spiralis is a submerged perennial freshwater plant. The leaves are generally narrower than V. gigantea. Only male plants are known in New Zealand, with inconspicuous flowers produced on the end of a very long spirally coiled pedicel. The pedicel arises from a rosette at the base of the plant which reaches the surface.
Impact
Eelgrass forms dense beds of vegetation which displace native plants, and may affect recreational activities, impede navigation and obstruct water out-takes.
What to do
Contact your regional council to determine the status of this species and responsibility for control and/or advice on control.
Page last updated: 11 December 2008