Family: Hydrocharitaceae
Author: (Ridl.) Moss
Bibliography: Trans. Roy. Soc. South Africa 16: 193 (1928)
Year: 1928
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lagarosiphon
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Trop. & S. Africa
Description
South African oxygen-weed, scientifically known as Lagarosiphon major, is a submerged aquatic plant belonging to the Hydrocharitaceae family. This plant, first documented in 1928 in the Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa, is attributed to the botanical research of Ridl. and Moss.
Native to the temperate and tropical regions of Southern Africa, Lagarosiphon major thrives in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and ponds. The plant is characterized by its robust, branching stems which can grow to significant lengths and its spiraled arrangement of dark green leaves. Each leaf is finely toothed and features a distinctive curved appearance, contributing to its common name.
Ecologically, South African oxygen-weed plays a vital role in its native environment. It provides shelter and breeding grounds for various aquatic organisms, thus promoting biodiversity. Additionally, it helps in stabilizing sediment, reducing erosion, and improving water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.
Despite its beneficial characteristics in native habitats, Lagarosiphon major has become an invasive species in many other parts of the world. Its introduction to non-native ecosystems, often through the aquarium trade, has led to significant ecological concerns. The plant’s rapid growth and dense mats can outcompete local flora and fauna, disrupt water flow, and obstruct recreational activities.
Management efforts for controlling the spread of South African oxygen-weed in invaded areas include mechanical removal, the use of herbicides, and the introduction of biological control agents. Public awareness and regulation of its trade are crucial steps in preventing further dispersion.
Lagarosiphon major remains a subject of ongoing research due to its ecological impact and potential uses in environmental management. Understanding its growth dynamics and interaction with other species continues to be essential for maintaining ecological balance in both its native and introduced ranges.
Common Names
Eng: african elodea, african-elodea, curly waterweed, south african oxygen weed, south african oxygen-weed, oxygen weed, oxygen-weed
Fra: elodée à feuilles alternes, grand lagarosiphon, élodée crépue, élodée à feuilles alternes
Deu: große wasserpest, große wechselblatt-wasserpest, schmalrohr, wassergirlande, wechselblatt-wasserpest
Ita: peste d’acqua arcuata
Dan: stor vandguirlande
Nld: verspreidbladige waterpest
Swe: afrikansk vattenpest
En: South African oxygen-weed, Curly waterweed, Oxygen-weed, African-elodea, African elodea, South African oxygen weed, Oxygen weed
Da: Stor vandguirlande
Nl: Verspreidbladige waterpest
Et: Kähar näkikatk
Fi: Afrikanvesirutto
Fr: Elodée à feuilles alternes, Grand Lagarosiphon, Élodée crépue, Élodée à feuilles alternes
De: Große Scheinwasserpest, Große Wasserpest, Große Wechselblatt-Wasserpest, Schmalrohr, Wassergirlande, Wechselblatt-Wasserpest, Großer Lagarosiphon
It: Peste d’acqua arcuata
Sv: Afrikansk vattenpest
Cy: Ffugalaw crych
Synonyms
- Lagarosiphon muscoides var. major (Ridl.)
Distribution
- Botswana (native)
- Cape Provinces (native)
- Free State (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Lesotho (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Austria (introduced)
- Belgium (introduced)
- Bulgaria (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Ireland (introduced)
- Italy (introduced)
- Netherlands (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- New Zealand South (introduced)
- Switzerland (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Oct 28, 2022 by René schmitt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 16, 2022 by Natural Ethik (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 29, 2021 by Megan Thorns (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 22, 2022 by Loan Riotte (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2019 by Pascal ROBIN (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 31, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 10, 2022 by mora sosa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Oct 6, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Oct 6, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2865565)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:431822-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lagarosiphon major (Ridl.) Moss)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.5
Ph minimum: 5.5
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 9
Soil nutriments: 7