Peruvian water primrose

Peruvian water primrose is a fast-growing, perennial, aquatic shrub that can grow up to three metres tall.

Description

• Leaves are usually 4-12cm, oval or lance shaped with a pointed tip and narrow base, hairy, and prominently veined.

• Stems are dark green/brown, round in cross section, and hairy when young.

• Flowers are yellow, surrounded with 4 sepals (leaf like structures below the petals). Flowers only last for one day.

• Seed pods are red/brown, erect, and contain 1000-4000 seeds.

• Taproots are woody in mature plants and lateral roots grow close to the surface.

• Seeds are spread by birds, water, machinery, and clothing. It can also spread vegetatively via stem or root fragments.

• Habitats include still or slow-moving water including wetlands, streams, and marshes.

What you need to know

Peruvian water primrose outcompetes native species and reduces food and shelter for fish and invertebrates. It can impact water flow, increasing the risk of flooding and limits recreation opportunities like boating.

Management approach

Peruvian water primrose is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Rules

Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

Control

Do not attempt to undertake control of Peruvian water primrose yourself. Report any sightings to us.