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.
Highlights
Nymphoides peltata (S.G.Gmel.) Kuntze, commonly known as yellow floating heart, is a perennial hydrophyte of the Menyanthaceae family
The Nymphoides genus has approximately 50 species (Tippery & Les 2011), 13 of which are considered indigenous to Africa and Madagascar (Raynal 1974)
De Bélair (2010) listed N. peltata as indigenous to Algeria based on a record of one population near the town of Ben Azzouz
Summary
Nymphoides peltata (S.G.Gmel.) Kuntze, commonly known as yellow floating heart, is a perennial hydrophyte of the Menyanthaceae family. It grows in still or slow-flowing rivers and its indigenous range is extensive, including most of Europe, Asia Minor, north-central Russia (Tutin 1972) and Japan (Zoku 1965). The Nymphoides genus has approximately 50 species (Tippery & Les 2011), 13 of which are considered indigenous to Africa and Madagascar (Raynal 1974). Within Africa, N. peltata has been recorded outside of cultivation in Ghana (JIRCAS 2010) and Algeria (De Bélair 2010). De Bélair (2010) listed N. peltata as indigenous to Algeria based on a record of one population near the town of Ben Azzouz. Nymphoides peltata is a hydrophyte with a nymphaeid growth form and is known to be an invader of aquatic ecosystems
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