Algae is a common nuisance with no defined root system. It often floats on the pond’s surface in mats, although it may emerge at the pond’s bottom before floating to the surface. Chara looks like submerged weed but can be differentiated by its musky smell.
Emergent aquatic plants are rooted plants often along the shoreline that stand above the surface of the water(cattails). The stems of emergent plants are somewhat stiff or firm.
Emergent aquatic plants are rooted plants often along the shoreline that stand above the surface of the water(cattails). The stems of emergent plants are somewhat stiff or firm.
Submerged aquatic plants are rooted plants with most of their vegetative mass below the water surface, although some portions may stick above the water. One discerning characteristic of submerged plants is their flaccid or soft stems, which is why they do not usually rise above the water’s surface.
Free-Floating Aquatic Weeds have roots that are not attached to substrate and float on the water’s surface. The most common Australian Free-Floating Aquatic Weeds are: Duckweed, Azolla, Liverwort, Salvinia, Water Lettuce and Water Soldier.
Algae is quick growing and can be potentially harmful to humans and livestock. There are two main categories of algae that are problematic and broadly include:
Filamentous algae is green in appearance and sometimes brownish in colour if exposed to strong sunlight. It appears floating on the waters surface, amongst submerged rocks or in the shallows of dams and lake edges and is stringy.
If left untreated, it can:
Micro algae can contain toxins such as in Blue Green Algae. Micro algae looks like a green oil slick or paint on the waters surface.
This form of algae can be toxic to humans, domestic or native animals and birds. It is of most concern when people are in contact with the contaminated water or if it is used for irrigation.
