Ambulia
Scientific name: Limnophila sessiliflora
Declaration status: Not currently declared in the Northern Territory.
Ambulia is a fast-growing aquatic plant which can also grow on land in damp soil. The species is native to India, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, but has naturalised and is invasive in several other countries.
It is a common and popular aquarium species in southern parts of Australia, which means that it is likely to be released accidently by people who dump unwanted fish in waterways.
For more information get the ambulia identification fact sheet PDF (2.1 MB).
Impact
A highly invasive and competitive species, with a high ability to establish among native, intact environments.
Is capable of forming dense mats that cover the water surface and fill the water column, impacting on water quality and habitat availability.
Has the potential to naturalise in tropical wetlands, tropical floodplains, arid and semi-arid wetlands, and in permanent water bodies.
You can read the Ambulia (Limnophila sessiliflora) NT Weed Risk Assessment Technical Report.
Identification
You should use this as a guide. There may be other plants or weeds that look similar.
- a mostly submerged aquatic plant, also producing emergent stems and terrestrial forms
- aquatic stems are straight but flexible
- emergent stems are more rigid and self-supporting
- aquatic leaves are positioned in symmetrical whorls around the central stem
- emergent leaves are broader and appear like a small Christmas tree
- flowers are small, pale purplish white and sit directly on the stem with no flower stalk.
If you are unsure, contact the Weed Management Branch.
Similar looking plants
There are similar looking species to ambulia.
Read the ambulia identification fact sheet PDF (2.1 MB) for more information.
Control
If you think you may have seen ambulia, or have this weed on your property, do not attempt to control it.
Contact the Weed Management Branch immediately for assistance.
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