A Papamoa pet store has sparked a biosecurity risk after mistakenly selling an invasive weed as a pond plant.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has warned pond and aquarium owners to check for the invasive pest plant hornwort, after it was accidentally sold at the pet store.
The regional council has previously described hornwort as one of the most damaging aquatic weeds. It is widely established in the North Island and is found in fresh water. Hornwort was originally propagated as an aquarium and ornamental pond plant, but it is now banned from sale or distribution under the Biosecurity Act.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council biosecurity officer Andrew Blayney said hornwort was easily mistaken for oxygen weed but said it grew much more aggressively. "It grows easily from the smallest fragments and can take over freshwater ponds, lakes and waterways," he said.
"The store owner stopped selling hornwort as soon as they realised the mistake, but a few customers had taken some home before then."
The pet store where hornwort was sold, and the number of people who bought the invasive weed was not revealed.
Mr Blayney said if hornwort found its way into the local drainage reserves, there was a risk of further spread.
Anyone who finds hornwort should either dispose of it through the general rubbish collection or contact Bay of Plenty Regional Council on 0800 880 884 or email info@boprc.govt.nz for advice and assistance.
Hornwort
• Hornwort has long slender brittle stems that can reach up to 10 metres in height.
• The leaves are stiff and forked and are arranged in whorls of 7-12 at each node.
• It has no roots and anchors itself using branches buried in bottom sediments.
• It prefers clear, deep water but will grow in a wide variety of aquatic environments.