Floating water chestnut
Alert
Have you seen Floating water chestnut?
Be on the lookout for Floating water chestnut and report it to Biosecurity Queensland. Early detection and reporting are the key elements in preventing Floating water chestnut from becoming a major problem in Queensland.
You must take reasonable action to minimise the risk of spreading Floating water chestnut to ensure the situation isn't worsened.
You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
Call us on 13 25 23.
Floating water chestnut
© John Randall Creative Commons
Floating water chestnut flower
© Leslie Mehrhoff Creative Commons
Floating water chestnut fruit
© Leslie Mehrhoff Creative Commons
Floating water chestnut infestation
© Leslie Mehrhoff Creative Commons
Native to South East Asia, floating water chestnut is an aquatic plant with triangular leaves, white flowers and a 4-horned nut. Although it has never been found in Queensland, floating water chestnut could become a serious problem in lakes, dams and reservoirs if introduced.
Scientific name
Description
- Floating aquatic plant.
- Leaves are triangular, waxy.
- Flowers have 4 white petals, centred rosette.
- Fruit is 4-horned nut containing 1 seed.
- Seed pods are hard, sharp.
Habitat
- Prefers lakes, dams, reservoirs and mudflats.
Distribution
- Not known to occur in Queensland.
Affected animals
- Humans
Impacts
Environmental
- If introduced, could become serious pest in Queensland's lakes, dams and reservoirs.
Social
- Sharp seed pods cause painful injuries if stepped on.
How it is spread
- Spreads by seed.
Prevention
Control
- Before undertaking any preventative or control actions, contact our Customer Service Centre.
Legal requirements
- Floating water chestnut is a prohibited invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
- You must not keep, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
- You must not take any action reasonably likely to exacerbate the biosecurity threat posed by floating water chestnut.
- You must take any action that is reasonably likely to minimise the biosecurity threat posed by floating water chestnut.
- You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
Further information
- Contact the Customer Service Centre