Fabaceae

Neptunia oleracea

Common Names: Water mimosa

Plant Form: Floating perennial aquatic herb. Size: Up to 1.5 m long. Stem: Grow out of water with a spongy covering between the nodes when emergent from water. Leaves: 8-20 pairs of elongated oval shaped leaflets per leaf, which close when touched. Flowers: Yellow, ball shaped, up to 1.5 cm wide in clusters of 20-50 per flower spike. Fruit and Seeds: Up to 3 cm long pods with up to 8 brown seeds. Habitat: Ponds, swamps, canals. Distinguishing Features: Similar appearance to Mimosa species, but is aquatic. Lack of glandular stamens distinguishes from another Water mimosa species (Neptunia plena). Impacts: Restricts water flow, reduces water oxygen, restricts water access.

Leaves form a floating mat

Air-filled stems act as floats

Can invade deep water

Clos- up of leaves and flower