Hydrocharitaceae

Egeria densa

Common Names: Leafy elodea

Plant Form: Submerged much-branched freshwater herb. Size: Up to 5 m wide. Stem: Green to brownish, cylindrical, slender, buoyant, with nodes which become closer higher up plant. Leaves: Stalkless, in whorls of 3-8 around stem, 1-4 cm long and narrow. With very fine serrated edges. Flowers: White with yellow centres, 12-25 mm wide, with 3 petals, on water surface on stems up to 8 cm long. Fruit and Seeds: Cylindrical berries 8 mm long. Habitat: Ponds, freshwater lakes, waterholes, reservoirs, ditches. Distinguishing Features: Crowded leaves with fine serrated edges are distinct from Lagarosiphon (Lagarosiphon major) and native Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticilliata). White 3-petaled flowers are larger than Elodea (Elodea canadensis). Impacts: Alters water flow, clogs irrigation equipment, impedes recreational activities, outcompetes and replaces native vegetation.