Aponogeton distachyus
Cape pond weed
Family: Aponogetonaceae
Origin: South Africa
![Close up of a cape pond weed flower in the water.](/media/aoaldzig/cape-pondweed-01.jpg?width=1110&height=625&v=1d7e511bd7dec30)
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- Aotea — Eradication
- Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice pest
General description
Bottom-rooted aquatic perennial. Rootstock is tuberous. Leaves are floating, linear and < 25 cm long. Flowers are white and borne on emergent spike above the water’s surface. Fruit is c. 1 cm long.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment:
- You must not breed, distribute, release or sell Cape pond weed on Aotea/Great Barrier Island group.
- You must not plant Cape pond weed on Aotea/Great Barrier Island group.
Auckland Council will control Cape pond weed at all sites within the Aotea/Great Barrier Island group where it is known to occur.
If you see Cape pond weed anywhere on Aotea/Great Barrier Island group, please report it to Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Habitats
Still or flowing water bodies < 1.2 m deep.
Dispersal
Seeds dispersed by water.
Impact on environment
Potentially competes with native freshwater vegetation. Stems may entangle recreational equipment.
Control
Site Management
Follow up treated areas 3 times per year.
Recommended approaches
Do not attempt to undertake control of this species on Aotea/Great Barrier Island group. Please report to Auckland Council if seen on Aotea/Great Barrier Island group.
Physical control
Method: Dig out.
Plant parts requiring disposal: All parts.
Disposal options: Remove to greenwaste or landfill if practical.
Biocontrol
Biocontrol is currently not available for this species.
Community agrichemical control recommendations
Certified Handler/Experienced agrichemical user: Foliar spray emergent foliage with 100ml glyphosate green per 10L of water.
Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
![Close up of cape pond weed flowers.](/media/wxki3dz2/cape-pondweed-04.jpg?width=700&height=390&v=1d7e511bd9348f0;)
![The white flowers of the cape pond weed.](/media/pqwn3z3t/cape-pond-weed-01.jpg?rxy=0.3947239525409274,0.2938871473354232&width=700&height=390&v=1d7e511bd742830;)
![Floating cape pond weed leaves.](/media/i1ynbknu/cape-pond-weed-02.jpg?width=700&height=390&v=1d7e511bd78bc10;)
![Cape pond weed submerged in grimy water.](/media/c5ag3qwn/cape-pondweed-02.jpg?width=700&height=390&v=1d7e511bd84f110;)
![Cape pond weed scattered on the surface of still water with broad leaves and white flowers peeking through.](/media/h0feaj2u/cape-pondweed-03.jpg?width=700&height=390&v=1d7e511bd8c1d00;)