Water primrose

Photo credit: ©Trevor Renals

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Ludwigia grandiflora

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Habitat:

• Still or slow flowing freshwater habitats

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Origin and Distribution:

• Native to South America and some US states. This species is now known in Britain where control measures are underway to prevent further spread and significant economic loss associated with this species.
• Ludwigia species have become naturalised in France where it has cost millions of Euro to the French economy. It was introduced in France in the 19th century as an ornamental plant but has since spread into nine Member States (Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom) where it thrives in slow flowing rivers, streams, lakes and ponds.

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Impacts:

• Ludwigia grandiflora can form very dense (almost impenetrable) mats in freshwater ecosystems. Large accumulations of this species can lead to a depletion of oxygen levels in the water while also competing with native species for space and resources. It further releases chemicals that suppress other organisms (allelopathy), leading to the accumulation of toxins and the poisoning of entire water ecosystems. This species has been linked to significant losses in biodiversity at impacted sites in France. These not insubstantial and year-round effects on water quality can cause ‘dystrophic crises’ and intoxicated ecosystems (Dandelot et al., 2005).
• This is an economic pest as it can clog waterways, drainage streams, bathing waters, impedes boating and increases the risk of flooding.

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Is it found in Northern Ireland?

• It has not been found in Northern Ireland.

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How might it get into the wild here?

• The aquaria trade and pond owners emptying their contents into the wild is the most likely pathway for introduction of Ludwigia grandiflora -  remember Be Plant Wise

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Further Resources:

• RAPID (Reducing and Preventing IAS Dispersal) LIFE - Good Practice Management - Water Primrose (Ludwigia grandiflora)

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Prevention

• Promote native species and biodiversity - use alternative, native plants
• Know what you are buying/growing and source native Irish seed and plants
• Be Plant Wise - do not swap plants and cuttings with friends
• Clean plants before adding to ponds (dispose of water away from water courses)
• Follow control advice and watch out for hitchhikers - inspect new imported purchases for invasive pest and pathogens
• Check Clean & Dry equipment before moving between water bodies
• Never collect plants from the wild
• Safe disposal of plant material and growing media
• Report all sightings.

EU-level action includes a ban on sales and on any planting or keeping, including in isolated ponds

• You can download the GBNNSS Risk assessment
• The rapid eradication of any new populations is required to  void the excessively high costs associated with its management later on.
• You can download the Rapid Response Action Plan
• Where the species has become widely spread, appropriate management plans have to be produced and submitted for approval

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You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.  

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Images Courtesy of Q - bank and GBNNSS

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Current Legislative Position (Listed on 03 August 2016)

• This species must not intentionally be brought into the Union; kept; bred; transported to, from or within the United Kingdom, unless for the transportation to facilities in the context of eradication; placed on the market; used or exchanged; permitted to reproduce, grown or cultivated; or released into the environment.

For further queries, you can contact the Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) Team in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on 028 9056 9558 or Email: invasivespecies@daera-ni.gov.uk

Species Related Files: