Australia's Science Forum

My biology teacher is trying to source this plant for and experiment, Egeria densa (water plant) also known as Anacharis, brazillian waterweed or Large-flowered Waterweed. I have tried our local pet shops and nobody has it. I was wondering if there is a similar plant that anyone knows of that can be used. this plant is not sold anymore because it is banned

In the past we always used elodea but that is banned also now we use "pink baby tears"

Hydrilla is similar to Elodea.

We have Elodea here we grow it in the pond with the Yellow Belly and Gold fish.
It can't escape and the fish eat it over the holiday's.
I got it from Penrith at the river so try a creek near you.
I can find anything thats said it was bandin schools can some one please enlighten me

Not banned in schools
But illegal for aquarium shops to sell, as it can end up in our rivers and take over

Yes, Ocker's right. I get mine from local creek and grow it in our separate fishtank just for this weed. It is not banned from schools, (yet?)
Lada

Timtam wrote:My biology teacher is trying to source this plant for and experiment, Egeria densa (water plant) also known as Anacharis, brazillian waterweed or Large-flowered Waterweed. I have tried our local pet shops and nobody has it. I was wondering if there is a similar plant that anyone knows of that can be used. this plant is not sold anymore because it is banned

Hydrilla, or any of the 'pond weed' that they do sell, are acceptable substitutes for Elodea (Egeria densa) in this prac. The exact species isn't critical, just that it's an aquatic plant so the gas transfusion by photosynthesis can be observed in the water via the Bromothymol Blue colour change.

Elodea was good for the experiment because it has a quick photosynthesis rate. Elodea is bad for the environment for the same reason. It grows fast.


PS: Elodea is prohibited for sale and distribution in SA, TAS, WA, and NT. It should only be available for sale in VIC, QLD. and ACT.