Acanthaceae

Hygrophila costata

Common Names: Glush weed

Plant Form: Mat-forming aquatic herb. Size: Up to 90 cm high. Stem: Rectangular, with lengthways grooves, and either hairless or hairy. Leaves: Oval-shaped up to 9 cm long, on very short stalks and with pointed tips. Sparsely hairy, particularly on veins. Flowers: Tubular white flowers in clusters of 10 or more. On very short stalks. Fruit and Seeds: Narrowly oval-shaped capsule 6-8 mm long containing about 20 seeds. Habitat: Wetlands, lakes, dams, ponds. Distinguishing Features: Much larger plant than native Willow hygro (Hygrophila angustifolia).