16-001014-02A (Ultimate SCMMP)

                                                                  Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana)

                                                                  Submerged perennial aquatic plant with
                                                                  slender elongated stems (to 5 m long)
                                                                  surrounded by a dense group of leaves and
                                                                  a well-developed fibrous root system.

                                                                  Plants may be distinguished by the
                                                                  submerged leaves, which are arranged in
                                                                  opposite groups (whorls) and finely divided
                                                                  into linear segments, forming a fan-shape.

                                                                  White to pale yellow daisy-like flowers are
                                                                  elevated above the water surface on stalks.
                                                                  Small diamond-shaped floating leaves are
                                                                  also borne on the flowering stalks.

                                                                  Note: Cabomba can easily be confused with
                                                                  Ceratophyllum demersum (a native
                                                                  submerged plant species) and some
                                                                  Myriophyllum species.
     Photo: Geoff Sainty

                                                                  Flowering: November–March, but will vary
                                                                  with location

                                                                  Reproduction: Fertile seeds have not been
                                                                  verified. Cabomba reproduces vegetatively
                                                                  via dislodged stem fragments.

                                                                  Control: Physical removal, water level
                                                                  management, chemical control

                                                                  Cabomba is extremely difficult to control
                                                                  when introduced to large water bodies.

                                                                  Drawing down the water level and allowing a
                                                                  water body to completely dry out can provide
                                                                  effective control of Cabomba but the root
                                                                  system has to be killed.




68                         Maintaining Vegetated Stormwater Assets Version 1