THE Northern and Yorke Landscape Board is asking for assistance to help track down a highly invasive aquatic weed that was sold on Facebook Marketplace by a Gawler-based seller last week.
A member of the public alerted the board about the listing that advertised Water Hyacinth “for the fish pond”, with the item now registered as ‘out of stock’ on the social media platform.
Water Hyacinth is recognised as one of the world’s worst aquatic weeds as it can quickly choke waterways, outcompete native water plants and cause dam water to stagnate.
Landscape officer Jessica Cavallo said the sale of this declared pest plant was illegal, with Landscape SA legislation prohibiting the ownership, sale and movement of the plant.
“Water Hyacinth is a nasty weed that is particularly dangerous for the environment because of its rapid growth,” she said.
“Unfortunately it’s also a striking specimen with purple flowers that can easily attract unsuspecting buyers.
“We hope to work with the seller, without penalty, to track down the sold plant and ensure all fragments are recovered and destroyed – but we would also encourage members of the public to contact us if they have any information.”
If you have any information that may assist the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board trace the whereabouts of the Water Hyacinth plant sold in Gawler, please contact on 8841 3444 or email (ny.landscapeboard@sa.gov.au).