The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

Species

Hygrophila angustifolia

Etymology

angustifolia: narrow-leaved

Authority

Hygrophila angustifolia R. Br.

Family

Acanthaceae

Brief Description

Upright, leafy perennial with long narrow leaves and blue flowers produced in the leaf bases.

Flora Category

Vascular - Exotic

Synonyms

Hygrophila salicifolia Nees

Distribution

Only known from one site at Western Springs, Auckland, but a common plant in the aquarium trade.

Habitat

Still and slow flowing shallow water bodies.

Features

Erect herb, decumbent with age, usually 50–100 cm high, mostly glabrous; branches 4-angled. Leaves linear to lanceolate, mostly 2.5–16 cm long, 2–8 mm wide, apex ± obtuse, base attenuate, margins entire and sometimes undulate, glabrous or sparsely hairy; ± sessile. Axillary clusters of 2–12-flowered; flowers sessile; bracts 2–7 mm long. Calyx 8–10 mm long. Corolla blue, mauve or more usually white with darker markings; tube 6–8 mm long; lobes 3–4 mm long.

Similar Taxa

Superficially similar to willow weeds (Persicaria spp.) but leaves are opposite, not alternately arranged.

Flowering

Late summer (March)

Flower Colours

Blue

Year Naturalised

2007

Origin

Northern Australia (W. Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales) and New Guinea

Reason for Introduction

Ornamental aquarium and pond plant.

Control Techniques

Can be controlled manually, mechanically or herbicidally depending on situation.

Life Cycle and Dispersal

Stem fragments in New Zealand

This page last updated on 21 Aug 2013