First confirmed record of <i>Nymphoides peltata</i> (S.G.Gmel.) Kuntze (<i>Menyanthaceae</i>) naturalised in southern Africa

Abstract

Background: Nymphoides peltata is a hydrophyte with a nymphaeid growth form and is known to be an invader of aquatic ecosystems. Objectives: To document the presence of N. peltata outside of cultivation in southern Africa. Method: Herbarium vouchers of newly collected material were compared against the vouchers of indigenous members of the genus and with the relevant botanical literature to confirm the identity of the species. Results: Nymphoides peltata is confirmed as occurring outside of cultivation for the first time in South Africa. The species was recorded from two dams adjacent to the Umgeni River in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands. Conclusion: This is the first record of a non-indigenous species of the Menyanthaceae family for South Africa outside of cultivation and adds to our knowledge of the alien aquatic flora of the region. Nymphoides peltata is listed as a Category 1a species, which means that it should be eradicated.

Keywords

• aquatic weeds
• naturalised
• climatic modelling