Bog moss
Bog moss flower
© Wikimedia Creative Commons
Bog moss infestation
© Queensland Government
Bog moss plant
© Queensland Government
Bog moss stems
© Queensland Government
Native to parts of North, Central and South America, bog moss is an aquatic plant with moss-like, thready leaves. It can form dense mats that block water bodies.
Originally sold as an ornamental aquarium and pond plant, bog moss appears to be in its early stages of spread in Queensland's waterways.
Bog moss is not a prohibited or restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
Scientific name
Mayaca fluviatilis
Description
- Aquatic herb that grows either fully submerged or as semi-terrestrial plant along margins of wetlands.
- Stems are white with pink tips, 40–60cm long, sometimes over 1m.
- Leaves are moss- and thread-like, arranged in dense spiral.
- Flowers are pink with 3 petals.
Habitat
- Prefers shallow freshwater ponds, streams and drainage ditches in tropical and subtropical coastal areas.
Distribution
- Wild population was detected near Innisfail.
- Can be well adapted to subtropical and tropical climates of Queensland.
Impacts
Environmental
- Can form dense mats that block shallow freshwater ponds, streams and drainage ditches.
- Has potential to smother and replace aquatic plant species.
How it is spread
- Dispersal is via broken stem fragments.
- Seeds can be spread by water.
Prevention
Legal requirements
- Bog moss is not a prohibited or restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. However, by law, everyone has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plants under their control.
- Local governments must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in their area. This plan may include actions to be taken on Bog moss. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local government for more information.