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Curly Leaved Waterweed - Lagarosiphon Major
Habitat:
Marine; freshwater lakes, canals, low energy rivers and streams.
Status:
Currently not well established however Lough Corrib has a considerable infestation.
What does it look like?
The plants leaves are green and are strongly curved and composed of 3 or 4 stems in a spiral. The long stem is brittle and easily broken. Only female plants are present and all reproduction is by fragmentation or vegetative means.
Impact:
Curly Leaved Waterweed clogs waterways and alters native ecosystems, impacting native water plants, insects and fish. It outcompetes native species and can grow in water up to 6 m deep.
Where is it originally from?
The Curly Leaved Waterweed originates from southern Africa but is now invasive in mainland Europe and Britain.
©2007 Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government