Haloragaceae

n/a

Stout, perennial aquatic or marsh herb, rooting at the nodes in mud, with stems 25-60 cm high, and usually hairy. Submerged leaves pinnate, in whorls of 5-8 mm broad and 10-40 mm long. Emergent leaves in whorls of 6-9, narrow and 5-20 mm long. Inconspicuous red-brown flowers (Oct-Apr). Forms dense underwater masses. Distinguished from relatives by the presence of crisped hairs on stems and leaf bases.

Swamps, still or flowing water. Areas that dry to mud in summer. Prefers 300 to 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.

Early December to mid-March. Propagate from cuttings, from seed, or division of layered stems. Fast growth rate. Can form dense growth in irrigation channels in summer and is considered by some to be a problem.

Useful for dams. Oxygenates water and filters out pollutants. Provides food, shelter, and breeding sites for fish. Easily trampled but apparently not palatable to stock.