Yellow water snowflake

Yellow water snowflake

Nymphoides geminata

Common Name:

Yellow water snowflake

Scientific Name:

Nymphoides geminata


Alternative common names:

Entire marshwort, star fringe, water fringe.

Description:

A pond plant that produces star-shaped, yellow flowers throughout the season. The reddish brown and green lily-like leaves are decorative and make a pleasing background for the five-petalled, fringed yellow blossoms on the water's surface. Best grown in full sun to partial shade. Flowers in May to September.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Australia

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Listed as a Prohibited Species (No.136) under List 4-List of Prohibited Alien Species in terms of Section 67 (1) in the NEMBA Draft Regulations of 12 February 2014.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Isolated cases of the plant have been discovered in the aquatic Nursery trade in Hekpoort and Pretoria.

How does it spread?

Dispersal to new water bodies appears to be by intentional plantings, although stem and even leaf fragments can grow to form new plants.

Why is it a problem?

Its leaves spread on the water surface and prevent the sunlight from reaching other indigenous plants, inhibiting photosynthesis. The yellow water snowflake is known to grow very quickly in suitable environments, taking over dams and rivers.

What does it look like?

Leaves: Heart-shaped, reddish brown to dark green.

Flowers: Star-shaped, yellow. Flowers throughout summer.

Fruit/seeds: None.

Does the plant have any uses?

The leaves quickly spread across the water surface, providing shade and minimising algae growth.

Leave a Reply