Hymenachne or olive hymenachne | Primary industries & fisheries | Queensland Government

Hymenachne or olive hymenachne

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Hymenachne or olive hymenachne

Photo of the Hymenachne
Hymenachne
Photo of Hymenachne
Hymenachne infestation


General information

Originally introduced to Australia from South America to provide ponded pasture for cattle, hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis) has become an unwanted pest of stream banks, shallow wetlands and irrigation ditches, primarily in the coastal wet tropics of northern Queensland.

Hymenachne is a Class 2 declared pest plant of Queensland and a Weed of National Significance (WONS).

Scientific name Hymenachne amplexicaulis
Impacts
  • infestations can affect drains, lagoons, wetlands, creeks and rivers
  • interferes with irrigation, infrastructure and wildlife habitats
  • degrades water quality for recreational purposes
Description
  • a robust, rhizomatous, perennial grass, up to 2.5 m high
  • stems are erect and pithy
  • leaf blades are 10-45 cm long and up to 3 cm wide
  • flower heads are spike-like, cylindrical, 20-40 cm long
Habitat/distribution/life cycle
  • originally from South and Central America
  • released in Queensland in 1988 as ponded pasture for cattle
  • now found from Cape York to Casino in New South Wales, and in the top end of the Northern Territory
  • main flowering occurs from April to June in Queensland
  • seeds dispersed by water movement and migratory aquatic birds
  • seeds set from late autumn to early spring
Control
  • treat new infestations to prevent establishment
  • a combined approach of different control methods, including mechanical, chemical and biological, with land management practices is most effective
  • see the hymenachne fact sheet for further information
Declaration details
  • a declared Class 2 species under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002
  • control of declared pests is required by landholders
Further information
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Page maintained by Sonia Jordan
Last updated 05 January 2012

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